Ombudsman for Equality

Duty of public authorities to promote gender equality

All public authorities are obliged to promote gender equality as part of their official duties. The obligation applies to all authorities both in state and local government. The duty to promote equality applies to all fields of public administration from community planning to social, health and educational services.

The promotion of gender equality by different authorities must be purposeful and systematic. The aim of promoting gender equality shall be taken into account in, for example, the preparation, implementation, monitoring and assessment of different matters by the authorities, as well as in performance guidance work and budgeting. This is referred to as promoting gender equality through mainstreaming.

In particular, the Act obliges the authorities to change such circumstances that prevent the achievement of equality.

Promotion of gender equality shall cover the availability and provision of services. As regards the provision of services, equitable consideration shall be given to the needs, preferences and interests of both women and men, as well as to the opportunities of sexual minorities to use the services.