The results of a new survey show that gender equality is falling as a result of the economic crisis. Most women would not be able to afford to stay in their home after a separation. – It is at odds with Sweden’s gender equality policy goals, says Camilla Wagner, who chairs the Fredrika Bremer Association. Six out of ten women would not be able to afford to stay in their home in the event of a divorce or separation, a new survey from Kantar Public shows. This is a marked increase from four out of ten, the result just two years earlier. And the negative development is very much a result of the economic crisis, says Camilla Wagner, who is chairperson of the Fredrika Bremer association. – In all crises, it is those with the worst margins who are hit hardest, and in Sweden it is women. This is because women generally have less means and lower incomes and salaries than men. To a greater extent, they take care of the everyday finances, while the men save and invest more often. The effect is that many women simply cannot afford to divorce and that marriage can in some cases become a financial prison, says Wagner. – It is a problem for both men and women because we would all be happy if we chose to live with each other out of free will and love and not for financial reasons. They have the worst economy in Sweden Within the group, pensioners, single mothers and foreign-born women stand out. They are the group with the worst economic conditions in Sweden today. – It is at odds with Sweden’s gender equality policy goal – that all men and women should have the same rights and obligations to shape their lives and the society we live in. Wagner believes that the politicians must now face the negative development by, among other things, increasing the contributions to women in the vulnerable groups. Child support and housing benefit, for example, should follow inflation. And Wagner is very concerned about the state of affairs. If nothing is done to improve the situation of vulnerable women, the numbers will be even bleaker in the coming years, she believes. “You need an active policy” – The tax reforms that have taken place recently increase the gaps. An active policy is needed to reduce the gaps between men and women. The Fredrika Bremer association has produced a series of short films in simple Swedish so that all women who live in Sweden and are about to get married can inform themselves about their rights in order to take control of their finances and avoid the marriage trap. – You have to inform yourself. If you don’t take power over your own finances, someone else will, says Wagner. See the interview in the player above.
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