The Nordic Council of Ministers supports “St. Petersburg week “Woman of the Year” which takes place in St. Petersburg from 1 till 5 March 2010. For the third time the annual international women’s forum is devoted to important challenges: development of female public movements, inclusion of women into political and social life, promotion of female business, demography and childhood. “St. Petersburg week “Woman of the year” is the part of the official annual events of St. Petersburg government.

Last year Maria Sagitova, Adviser of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Information office in St. Petersburg was named the “Woman of 2009” for contribution in international relations. The award marked the public recognition of her professional achievements in Russia-Nordic cooperation. This year the Nordic Council of Ministers is participating in the international conference on female entrepreneurship “Woman of the new century” and will be presenting the Nordic gender equality policies in the labour market. One of the panel discussions will include the presentation by Carita Peltonen, consultant and former Senior Adviser of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Last year Carita Peltonen was awarded of the Letter of Gratitude by St. Petersburg Governor for the significant contribution in gender equality promotion in the Russian-Nordic cooperation.

Promotion of equal opportunities for men and women is one of the priorities in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation programmes. Nordic countries are among world leaders in providing equal rights for participation in politics, business, and social life. Already being the model for others, the Nordic countries are continuing cooperation in promotion of gender equality.

Download the recent publication “Gender equality – the Nordic way”