of the Nordic countries are higher than the average of the European Union as well; thus it is important to act together to resolve such joint challenges as the prevention of prostitution and human trafficking. The experience of the Nordic countries in passing progressive legislation and its implementation is important to the Baltic States, which are forced to address issues as countries of origin, target and transit.
Changes in the global setting produce new challenges for gender equality politics, which are inseparable from other aspects of discrimination: ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and state of health. In the midst of the global financial crisis, the Nordic countries proved that societies with a consistent focus on equality and respect for diversity are much more sustainable in situations of economic downturn. Thus, it is crucial for the Baltic neighbours to take this experience on board and jointly work on issues that would facilitate stability in the region. The success of society depends on the contribution of each and every member. It is therefore important to shape a social environment that would provide equal conditions and opportunities for the self-actualisation of men and women as well as girls and boys. In the area of employment, this issue is closely related to balancing work and family commitments. In comparison to other EU Member States, the participation or non-participation of women on the labour market in the Nordic countries is least impacted by childcare3. In comparison to other Member States, Swedish, Finish and Danish fathers spent the greatest number of days on parental leave4; however, this is hardly the time to talk about absolute parity between men and women. On the other hand, the experience of the Nordic countries demonstrates that it is hardly constructive to narrow gender inequality issues down to discrimination against women. Sustainable results that ensure social and economic coherence are directly related to general attitudes towards gender equality. Thus, while forming a holistic attitude towards a policy of equal opportunities as well as engaging men in the implementation of the policy and changing the outdated perception of masculinity norms, it is important to bring together the efforts of the Nordic countries and Baltic States as well as to utilise the potential of NGOs and the academic sector. These processes could be facilitated by the media, as it has an immense impact on human attitudes regarding the cultural roles of men and women as well as on the importance of gender equality politics implemented. Moreover, it has the ability to either strengthen or weaken support in society. However, as contemporary media is greatly impacted by neoliberalism and consumerism, it tends to underscore the biological differences of gender, in this way naturalising or even justifying unequal relations between men and women. In order to change deep-rooted stereotypes and accelerate progress in society, it is important to ensure a more in-depth understanding of gender inequality issues and causes. Cooperation with the purpose of raising the awareness of media representatives in the area of gender equality
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would create opportunities for the development of public discourse that supports the values of a mature democracy. Also, it is just as important to consolidate efforts in combating gender stereotypes that thrive in areas of education and professional counselling as well as the labour market. However, gender equality, like democracy, is not something that can be inherited, and each generation must do its own homework. The global world is full of new challenges as well as innovative solutions. Thus, joint efforts, experience and varying practices would facilitate the journey to the desired destination; for example, aiming to ensure parity in representation of men and women in all areas of decision-making (politics, economics and science) or establishing high-quality gender mainstreaming in self-government to its full extent. Municipalities play a particularly important role in the practical assurance of gender equality. They are the largest employers and providers of social services that ensure quality of life. Practical results of equal opportunities politics depend on the way employees understand the reasons for and methods of gender mainstreaming in the operations of municipal institutions. Cooperation with the Nordic countries and learning from their experience would result in a valuable stimulus for the development of constructive programmes that correspond to the needs of men and women as well as girls and boys; it would also consolidate the sustainable progress of gender equality in the region. Sustainable development of society is impossible without the preservation of nature. The Baltic States are only beginning to act in the area of ecology and climate change. Consequently, discussions on the topic of gender impact on climate change have yet to gain the adequate interest of the public or specialists. Undoubtedly, cooperation in this area could lead to the required breakthrough. This cooperation is of the utmost importance, as the future of the region depends on the joint efforts of all countries as well as the use of available experience and support for a joint strategic decision in the global context. The Baltic States and Nordic countries working together is the only possible solution for the development of an economically, socially and ecologically safe environment for people – men and women alike.
REFERENCES 1 The Global Gender Gap Report 2011: Rankings and Scores. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GGGR11/GGGR11_Rankings-Scores.pdf 2 Domestic Violence against Women. Report. Fieldwork: February – March 2010. Publication: September 2010 3 Report: Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the area F: Women and the Economy. http://www.eige.europa.eu/lt/ sites/default/files/Review-of-the-Implementation-of-the-Beijing Platform-for-Action-in-the-area-F-Women-and-the-Economy_0.pdf 4 As before.
Gender equality