Since the introduction of women's right to vote in 1971 and the adoption of the constitutional article on equality in 1981, Switzerland has made progress in terms of equality. However, we still do not have full equality, as shown both by our national statistics (see appendix) and by various international rankings (WEF, OECD). We can and must do better. It is a question of justice for women, but also of social well-being and economic prosperity.
To make up this shortcoming, as part of the 2019-2023 Legislature Programme, the Federal Council decided to establish a ‘National Strategy for Gender Equality’. This ‘Gender Equality Strategy 2030’ focuses on promoting equality in working life, improving the balance between work and family life and combating discrimination, sexism and violence. The aim is to achieve gender equality in law and in practice, as set out in Article 8, paragraph 3 of the Federal Constitution.
The Gender Equality Strategy 2030 responds to the sustainable development objectives of the 2030 Agenda, and in particular to objective 5 on gender equality and objective 8.5 on equal pay. As well as improving equality at national level, the strategy should also raise the profile of Swiss equality policy at international level.
The Gender Equality Strategy 2030 is also part of the implementation of international instruments ratified by Switzerland, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention).
Lastly, this strategy is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with all partners interested in equality issues, in particular the cantons and communes, through regular exchanges of good practice and the development of joint projects.