Women in Norway have managed to put its influence in world politics. Thirty years ago, the number of women representatives in the Storting (Norwegian national assembly) only 15%, while the percentage in recent years varied between 36 to 39 percent. Increasing equality between women and men in decision-making is closely related to education and employment opportunities open to women. But the ability, experience, friendly attitude and good faith is not enough. Experience shows that the number of women in political institutions will not increase unless targeted methods such as campaigns and gender quotas are applied.
Gender quota system was first introduced in the Socialist Left Party and the Liberal Party began in 1970. Currently, all major Norwegian parties apply a gender quota system of nominations and elections form the governing body on all levels. This quota system is applied themselves willingly. Norway does not have the legal regulations in terms of gender balance in political parties or elected body.
Quota system was also introduced to the committee designated community, agencies and boards. Thirty years ago, women occupy only 11% representation seats. In 1981, a regulation requiring gender balance in committee appointed people, etc. are introduced through the Gender Equality Act and since 1988, this requirement has been determined that a minimum percentage of each gender is 40 percent. Once the changes have recently occurred, the percentage of female representation has increased from 22%, reaching 40% in 1997.
In 1986, Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland raised levels of government featuring representatives of women who pretty much. Since then, the Government of Norway has always formed with the minimum number of women representatives by 40 percent.
Gender representation in the ranks of the company
Average of 8.5% of the directors (shareholder and employee representatives elected) in perseoran limited in the Norwegian private sector are women (data from July 2003). In the company’s government, the figures were 45.7% (data March 2003).
Since January 1, 2004, vice-directors of the company rules for all state-owned companies has been revamped. Directors of State enterprises are required to have a minimum of 40 percent of representatives of both genders. The change has also been applied to a limited company in the private sector. This rule shall not apply if the desired gender balance is achieved on a voluntary basis during 2005. This regulation will ensure the promotion of gender equality and democracy, and strengthen management of the business sector and increasing competition the company.
This rule does not apply to private limited liability company. In Norway, such companies kebanykan a small family company, where the owners occupy the ranks of deputy directors so that the regulation of gender is less suitable for this type of company. On the other hand, the State limited liability company, the shareholders will be more widely shared.
