Lisbeth Reed Vest-Agder County Council Department of Regional Development Adviser Partnerships, Planning and Projects of Gender Equality in Agder Previous occupation: woman pioneer telecom technician ( ) Today: advising on regional development/equal opportunities

Vest-Agder: One of the 19 counties of Norway County responsibilities: Regional development and planning(including gender equality) Responsible for upper secondary education Functions concerning culture, transport, roads communications, support for business activities and public health in the region.

Agder: Two cooperating counties at the southern tip of Norway

Agder and Gender Equality: National statistics shows: Agder has special challenges concering equality status Increasing focus on gender balance in regional development and planning. Recognizing that the communities need the full participation of everybody! Camilla Collett author and feminist pioneer, from Kristiansand, Agder.

Two Primary Goals for Equality Work in Agder: 1.The gender equality work is outcome oriented, evidence based and coordinated 2.There is gender balance in working life in Agder Uwe Wenk Wolf’s sculpture: Three fit girls (Lindesnes municipality)

Developing Frameworks for Equal Opportunities Changing attitudes from the top down: Gender perspective in public planning Partnerships for gender equality Research on gender topics Joint funding for research and measures (from state and regional authorities) Minister of Children and Equality, Anniken Huitfeldt, at the opening of Center for Gender and Equality. September 2008

Agder Gender Equality Council Participants: The two counties Municipalities KS Regional state departments University of Agder Employer’s association Association of trade unions. Toril Runden, vice mayor of Vest-Agder and leader of Agder Gender Equality Council

Center for Gender and Equality, University of Agder The center aims to collect and develop research results and competency concerning gender and equality, and to be a driving force for equality in Agder. The center is a cooperative project between the University of Agder, Agder research Foundation and the Agder region.

Developing frameworks for equal opportunities Changing attitudes from the bottom up: Mobilizing boys and girls as agents for change Focusing on content/pedagogy in kindergartens and schools Focusing on content/pedagogy in the teachers’ education Hokus Pokus kindergarten, at the University of Agder: The male employees – 30% of the staff!

Free Choice – the 10 year commitment for gender equality Focusing on boys and girls all the way from kindergarten to university. Building self-esteem, courage and competency to choose education and career regardless of gender

Thank you for your attention! Participation in two EEA-projects on Reconciliation