Meeting between the federal and cantonal authorities to promote gender equality
Bern, 02.05.2025 — 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.
Promoting equality in the workplace, improving work-life balance and combating violence and discrimination of all kinds are key priorities enshrined in the Federal Constitution and require joint and coordinated action. The Gender Equality Strategy 2030, adopted by the Federal Council in 2021, reflects this commitment. It promotes close cooperation between the federal, cantonal and communal authorities in implementing the strategy at all levels of government through an action plan comprising 330 measures. An interim review will be carried out at the end of this year.
With this in mind, Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider brought together the cantonal councillors responsible for gender equality to strengthen the dialogue and exchange best practices on two major issues: preventing gender-based violence and gender equality in the workplace.
Prevention of gender-based violence
The news at the beginning of this year of 14 confirmed femicides in fewer than five months highlights the seriousness of gender-based violence in Switzerland. This alarming situation serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening prevention and coordinating action at all levels of government. The prevention of gender-based violence was therefore a priority at today’s meeting.
A major national campaign to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will be launched this autumn. Initiated by Parliament, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the different forms of violence, highlight the support available and help break down the attitudes and structures that enable it.
During the meeting, Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider reported on the campaign’s progress so far and emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach. The cantons also shared their experiences and outlined the measures they are developing to prevent and combat domestic and gender-based violence.
Promotion of equality in the workplace
As an employer and provider of public procurements and subsidies, the public sector must lead by example in promoting equality in the workplace. To this end, the Charter for equal pay in the public sector was launched in 2016. It brings together the Confederation, 17 cantons, 147 communes and 112 companies and state-associated organisations that are committed to actively promoting equality in the workplace, including equal pay for women and men.
During the meeting, Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider encouraged the various public actors to continue their efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace in order to foster women's economic autonomy, one of the main objectives of the Gender Equality Strategy 2030. The discussions highlighted practices developed at cantonal level, with several cantons outlining concrete measures they have implemented aimed notably at facilitating the return to work after childbirth and improving work-life balance.
Further information:
Switzerland steps up its efforts to prevent gender-based violence
National campaign to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (de, fr, it)
Charter for equal pay in the public sector
New committee to improve workplace equality in the public sector