Norwegian aid programs to help reduce gender inequality in Estonia

Photo: Panther Media/Scanpix

The Estonian Social Affairs Ministry will present on Thursday two Norwegian programs in whose framework interest groups, institutions, nonprofits, local authorities and other stakeholders can apply for support to combat gender inequality.

The aim of one program is to help achieve men's and women's equality in society and improve balance between work, private and family life. The other program is designed to prevent gender-based violence and human trafficking.

For the two programs funding in the amount of four million euros is made available through the Norway Grants 2009-2014 facility. Estonia's co-financing is 705,882 euros.

"The inequality of men and women is connected with many social issues such as the pay gap and violence against women," the ministry's deputy secretary general Aleksander Ljudvig said. "If people are able to recognize gender inequality they have more opportunities to stand up for their rights."

"Norway considers international cooperation to promote gender equality to be very important. Equality is a cornerstone of a successful society," Ambassador Lise Kleven Grevstad stated. "In Norway the struggle for gender equality has lasted for more than a century already. This year we're marking the centenary of women's suffrage. Nonetheless, we still have challenges in the field of gender equality and domestic violence problems. The Norwegian support programs provide an excellent platform for exchanging experiences with Estonia and advancing gender equality for the benefit of both men and women."

Although in Estonia equal numbers of boys and girls continue studies at general education schools after obtaining basic education, considerably more boys drop out. At the same time women's higher level of education does not ensure them a higher status on the labor market, nor necessary financial independence and general socio-economic sense of security.

Estonia has the biggest gender pay gap in the European Union - the difference between women's and men's pay was 27.3 percent in 2011. Serious challenges exist also in regard to gender-based violence. The 2010 Eurobarometer study showed that one of out three Estonians knew some woman who had experienced domestic violence and an equal proportion said they knew a person or persons who had used violence against women.