Goal 4: All Nordic inhabitants must have the opportunity to give shape to their own lives without being restricted by stereotypical norms and expectations relating to gender, gender identity and sexual orientation
In the Nordic Region, value is attached to the freedom of all inhabitants to live their lives in accordance with their own dreams and wishes. However, Nordic inhabitants are negatively affected by stereotypical norms and expectations relating to gender. These gendered norms and expectations can limit young people in their choice of studies and career paths, while gendered stereotypes and expectations around appearance can negatively affect wellbeing.
Men and boys are also negatively affected. For example, norms relating to masculinity can prevent men in crisis situations from seeking the help and support they need, while the pressure to embody traditional masculine roles can impair relationships with partners and children and lead to poor levels of mental well-being. Despite this, men have historically been underrepresented and underprioritised in work to attain gender equality.
At their most extreme, traditional and stereotypical gender norms can lead to negative forms of social control and honour-related oppression. This primarily affects girls and women, but young men can also be subjected to this.
Many LGBTI people are also limited by gender stereotypes and expectations both from their family and in their encounters with public authorities, where heterosexual and cisgender norms have a restrictive and alienating effect in relation to things such as family formation.
In the Nordic Region, value is attached to the freedom of all inhabitants to live their lives in accordance with their own dreams and wishes.