The act on equality between women and men at work

The Act on Equality between Women and Men at Work prohibits both direct and indirect gender discrimination in working life.

Compliance with the Act is monitored by the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman and the Equal Opportunities Board, both appointed by the Government.

Prohibition against gender discrimination
No one may be at a disadvantage because of their sex. This applies to pay, employment conditions, the opportunities for promotion – and, of course employment as such.

Prohibition against sexual harassment
By sexual harassment is meant unwelcome behaviour based on sex or unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that violates the employee’s integrity at work.

The employer is obliged to preclude and prevent anyone being exposed to harassment or sexual harassment as a result of a report of sexual discrimination. If the employer learns of the existence of sexual harassment he has a duty to investigate this and take action. If he fails to do so he may be ordered to pay damages.

Active measures for equal opportunity
Apart from prohibiting sexual discrimination, the Act also sets up rules for active measures that employers are obliged to take in order to promote equality between women and men.

Employers with more than nine employees are obliged to draw up annual plans for how the work of equal opportunity is to be carried out at the workplace. As part of this work of equal opportunity the employer shall also make an annual survey of pay differences between women and men.