Norwegian women capture the boards in Norwegian companies. The government’s aim to hit a 40 percent score of women representation on Norwegian boards is soon reality.
19/11/2007 :: "The situation now that we are approaching the end of the year is better than it has ever been before. Thirty-three per cent of board members are now women," says Marit Hoel, researcher at the Center for Corporate Diversity to the Norwegian Broadcasting Cooperation.
"Efforts to promote the appointment of women to company boards have produced good results. During this year alone, more than 120 women board members were appointed," said Minister of Trade and Industry Dag Terje Andersen.
Core policy
Gender equality has been a core policy in Norwegian politics since 1913, when women were granted the right to vote. On 1 January 2004, company legislation provisions regarding board representation for all state-owned companies was amended. It became mandatory for the boards of such enterprises to have a minimum of 40 per cent representation of each gender. The current government aims to secure a 40 percent representation of women on all boards including the Public Limited Companies.
Two of Norway's female ministers. Minister of health and care services Sylvia Brustad and Minister of Children and Equality Manuela Ramin-Osmundsen. Photo: Henrik Mevold.
Female majority in the government
In the fall of 2007, following a cabinet reshuffle, women got the majority in the government for the first time. Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa replaced Åslaug Haga, as the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, whilst Haga replaced Odd Roger Enoksen as Petroleum and Energy Minister. Hence, women now hold ten out of the 19 ministerial posts in the current government.
International outlook
Norway has set itself the aim of increasing women’s participation internationally. In 2006, Norway launched its action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
Norwegian family policies aim to secure equality between parents. Photo: Ole Marius Grønlien/ MFA Norway.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs