The essay provides an analysis of the current strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the Nordic welfare model in realizing gender equality. The ideal of the Nordic welfare model has been to encourage a dual-earner / dual-carer model. The essay is based on Nordic literature on gender equality and welfare society and interviews with a researchers and other experts : and is part of the Finnish priority project “Norden 2020”.
'Millions of 10-year-old girls end up with poor protection of their rights and well-being. Too many become labourers, primary performers of household chores, wives or sex-trafficked commodities. Childhood ends with limited education or opportunities, with violence or ill-health, with no say in decisions. .The State of World Population 2016 includes glimpses into the lives and aspirations of 10 girls from diverse backgrounds.'