Gender Equality
The action plan for women's rights and gender equality in Norway's foreign and development policy, A fair world is an equal world, will form the basis of Norad's work. We must contribute to ensure that at least half of all bilateral aid has equality as a main or sub-goal. The priority concerns work with women's rights through targeted measures such as sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence, and the integration of equality in other areas such as education, health, food and climate. All departments that manage grants in Norad are responsible for helping Norad reach its target. Norad also provides professional advice and input to embassies and the ministry.
Why
Norway's action plan, "A Just World is an Equal World," anchors our commitment to women's rights and gender equality in development efforts. We're dedicated to allocating at least half of all bilateral aid to promoting equality as a primary or secondary goal. Our strategy prioritises women's empowerment through targeted initiatives, including advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and combating gender-based violence. We also integrate gender equality across sectors like education, health, food security, and climate action. Every department managing grants is accountable for achieving these goals. Norad provides technical expertise and support to Norwegian embassies and the ministry of foreign affairs to ensure successful implementation.
What
Norwegian aid in the area of equality includes, among other things, political participation, economic independence, combating gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The work on political participation focuses on reducing the barriers to women's participation and strengthening their influence, including through support for electoral participation and women's organisations. In order to increase women's economic independence, Norway supports measures that promote women's access to education, work, social safety nets and financial resources, as well as support for organization and legislation that ensures equal rights. Combating gender-based violence involves both prevention and support for survivors through health services, legal assistance and psychosocial support. The assistance also focuses on ensuring access to contraception, safe abortion, sexuality education, and comprehensive health services for everyone, including vulnerable groups such as LGBT+ people.
Where
Norwegian aid is a global effort, but with a special focus on Africa south of the Sahara, where the needs are greatest and the challenges most acute. Political participation programs and economic independence projects take place in many developing countries, while gender-based violence and SRHR efforts are concentrated in war and conflict areas as well as countries with major humanitarian needs. Important partners include multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, development banks, civil society organizations, and local women-led groups. Norad also supports national authorities in developing and implementing non-discriminatory legislation and policies. This collaboration ensures a broad and integrated approach to equality, which is necessary to achieve sustainable changes.