Gender equality in all areas of life
The Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) promotes gender equality. Its central objectives are equality in the workplace, the elimination of violence against women and domestic violence and the equality of LGBTIQ persons. The FOGE is also responsible for coordinating the gender equality strategy 2030, the first national strategy for equality in all areas of life.
Press releases
Femicides: Confederation, cantons and communes announce urgent measures
In the first half of 2025, 18 women and girls were killed in Switzerland. Faced with this alarming situation, the committee responsible for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women (Confederation, cantons and communes), coordinated by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), calls for a strong and joint political action. It decided to introduce three emergency measures.
Shortcomings in accommodation provision for victims of violence
Despite an increase in the number of places in emergency accommodation and shelters for victims of violence in Switzerland, the current situation is not sufficient to meet the growing demand for support. At its meeting on 25 June, the Federal Council adopted a report expressing concern about this situation. It encourages the efforts announced by the cantons to provide sufficient accommodation in the various regions and adapted to the specific needs of different population groups.
Meeting between the federal and cantonal authorities to promote gender equality
The first executive level meeting on gender equality between the federal government and the cantons took place today in Bern. On the initiative of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the cantonal councillors responsible for gender equality in Switzerland met to strengthen their cooperation and reaffirm their political commitment to an inclusive and equal society. The prevention of gender-based violence was a further priority topic at the meeting.