The ratio of men to women in government ministries and committees has achieved something approaching equality, although there is still room for improvement.
A new report from the Centre for Gender Equality recently examined the number of men and women in positions of power, both in government ministries and the numerous government committees. The law regarding a gender quota in these offices requires that any committee comprised of three of more people have representation from either gender, each equalling no less than 40% of the whole.
To that extent, Iceland’s ten ministries are covered, as there are four female ministers.
However, the Ministry of Social Affairs was the only ministry where women were in the majority, as its staff is comprised of 51% women. By contrast, the Ministry of Fishing and Agriculture was only about 25% women.
Last year, 164 committees were established. Of them 109, or 66%, fulfilled the gender quota requirements. When the gender quota law was enacted, only 43% were already at this point.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
