The Pan-Arctic Report on Gender Equality in the Arctic: Moving Forward!

Abstract

This article takes as its starting-point the Pan-Arctic report on Gender Equality in the Arctic (GEA report) and, in specific, the chapter on law and governance. Its aim is to provide an overview of the report’s chapter on law & governance. It provides a discussion on why gender equality is important in general and more specifically in the Arctic region, followed by a review of the chapter on law and governance and its findings through policy relevant highlights. The report demonstrated that Arctic governance does not prioritise gender equality and, more generally, that the goal of gender equality is not fulfilled within the region. The chapter on law and governance highlights the need for shared gender equality commitments in Arctic public governing bodies and for a gender equality policy for the Arctic Council, including the application of an intersectional approach. Further, that Arctic States should collaborate to incorporate gender into the development of Arctic strategies. Finally, the report’s recommendations, major areas of research interest and the next steps are discussed.