Working conditions for people working with gender equality issues in the Nordic region have deteriorated considerably, according to the report “Opposition to gender equality in the Nordic countries“.
Read this article in Norwegian on Arbeidsliv i Norden
The report is written by Julian Honkasalo from the University of Helsinki and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
It is based on an online survey carried out between May and June 2025. The respondents work across a broad range of gender equality issues, including classic gender equality matters and LGBTQI+ rights.
The respondents work in civil society/NGOs, academia and the public sector. All of the Nordic countries are represented.
The report shows that working conditions for people working with gender equality issues are under pressure, and that their lives are characterised by insecurity.
Half of the respondents report having experienced threats or harassment at work.
Many talk about stress, exhaustion, sickness absence and withdrawing from activities that include public exposure.
Nearly half say the opposition has a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
They were also asked which preventative strategies and support mechanisms are the most useful.
The answers highlight the importance of stronger legal protection, public statements in support of targeted individuals and mental support combined with supervised training.
