Gender equality policy issues in the Federal Administration
Gender equality touches on many areas of everyday life, and various federal offices are therefore committed to addressing gender equality issues. This commitment is also reflected in the Gender Equality Strategy 2030: All seven departments and the Federal Chancellery are responsible for specific measures in the Gender Equality Strategy.
A selection of the issues that the Confederation is currently addressing in relation to gender equality, arranged by department and responsible office:
Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA)
Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE)
The FOGE promotes gender equality in all areas of life and is committed to eliminating all forms of direct and indirect discrimination.
Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
The FOPH implements various measures for equal opportunities in healthcare, including for example measures to promote the representation of men and women in healthcare professions or measures against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Federal Office of Culture (FOC)
The FOC is committed to equality in Swiss cultural creativity. For example, it promotes equal pay in the area of cultural creativity.
Federal Statistical Office (FSO)
The Federal Statistical Office publishes extensive facts and figures on gender equality.
Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
The FSIO is responsible for social insurance, and with it also for issues relevant to gender equality such as retirement provision (OASI) or maternity, paternity, adoption and carer’s leave (loss of earnings compensation scheme). The FSIO is also responsible for the issue of balance between work and family life.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
The SDC is committed to gender equality in international cooperation.
State Secretariat
As part of its foreign policy, Switzerland specifically promotes gender equality and women's rights.
Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP)
Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)
The FOJ is committed to combating domestic violence, particularly through legislation. The FOJ also initiated the «Domestic violence» strategic dialogue, which resulted in a roadmap against domestic violence. It is also responsible for family law, which includes issues such as divorce, maintenance, parenthood or parentage.
Federal Office of Police (fedpol)
With the third national action plan against human trafficking, fedpol, together with other stakeholders, is implementing measures to combat human trafficking. Fedpol also awards financial aid to combat human trafficking and to prevent criminal offences in the field of prostitution.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
In asylum procedures, the SEM takes account of the particular factors that play a role in the persecution of women and of members of sexual minorities.
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
Defence
The Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity Office (WAFD) is committed to diversity and inclusion in the Swiss Armed Forces.
Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO)
The FOSPO is committed to the prevention of negative concomitants of sport, such as violence and sexual assault. In addition, the FOSPO is committed to supporting girls and young women in sport.
Federal Department of Finance (FDF)
Federal Office of Personnel (FOPER)
The FOPER is committed to diversity among staff of the Federal Administration and to equal opportunities between the sexes. It also ensures that senior management bodies of federal government-associated businesses apply the target quota of 40 per cent for representation of both sexes.
Federal Tax Administration (FTA)
The FTA is leading the introduction of individual taxation, which would be a renewal in contrast to the current taxation of married couples.
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)
Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)
The FOAG regularly examines the role of women in agriculture.
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
SERI promotes measures to ensure equal opportunities for women and men at universities in practice.
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
SECO aims to promote the employment of women to ensure that they remain in the labour market as skilled workers. It provides information on measures for the balance between work and family life. SECO is also committed to protecting employees and combating sexual harassment in the workplace.
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC)
General Secretariat DETEC
DETEC supports public and private initiatives to promote women in STEM professions.
Federal Chancellery (FC)
The Federal Chancellery is responsible for the guidelines on gender-appropriate wording in all national languages. It also reviews the implementation of the gender quota of at least 40 per cent in extra-parliamentary commissions.
Gender equality in Switzerland
Gender equality has not yet been achieved. Switzerland is committed to equality before the law and in practice in various areas.