The GEA Times Commentary - Bryndís Kjartansdóttir
The first Arctic conference I ever attended was the Taking Wing conference on gender equality and women in the Arctic held in Inari, Finland, back in 2002. I do not remember much about the topics but I will never forget the spirit that prevailed at that event. The enthusiasm of the women who spoke for a more open dialogue, increased understanding and change touched me in a way that still sits with me.
Bryndís Kjartansdóttir, Senior Arctic Official of Iceland
Gender issues are at the core of Iceland’s foreign policy and are also firmly grounded in the work of the Arctic Council. Arctic inhabitants already face numerous challenges due to the impacts of climate change, demonstrating the need to strengthen adaptation and resilience to support vibrant communities. Understanding the role gender plays in human development is one of the key factors we need to make sense of to be able to make informed decisions. In this way, gender equality is an important element for achieving sustainable development in the Arctic.
The bulk of the Arctic Council’s work is done through projects set out to build knowledge and provide recommendations. Most gender related issues at the Arctic Council are channeled through the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) and have in recent years been carried forward through its Gender Equality in the Arctic project (GEA) which has now entered its third phase under the Icelandic Chairmanship of the Council.
Through this project, the Council has already contributed to a better understanding of the role gender plays in the Arctic. To mention but a few examples: we have better knowledge of the out-migration of women from the Arctic; we see that lack of education among young men in the region is a cause for concern; violence, both domestic violence and violence amongst men, is a problem; and high suicide rates are alarmingly persistent, particularly amongst young men.
The aim of GEA III is to strengthen the network of experts and stakeholders that was launched under phase II, thus securing an accessible, permanent platform for consolidating knowledge on gender equality in the Arctic under the auspices of the SDWG.
Through the Icelandic Chairmanship we have the opportunity to further the issue of gender equality for future consideration at the Arctic Council. The very high attendance and the lively discussions we have enjoyed at sessions on gender issues at different Arctic events since the Taking Wing conference took place makes me optimistic that we are on the right track towards sustainable societies in the Arctic.