According to a new equality index from the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), women took nearly 70 percent of parental leave days last year, while men took just over 30 percent. This marks a concerning reversal after nearly two decades of progress toward more equal distribution of parental responsibilities.
The TCO report indicates that for the first time since the organization began tracking equality data, there has been a decline in gender equality for two consecutive years. TCO Chairperson Therese Svanström expressed concern about the trend, noting that when women take greater responsibility for parental leave and childcare, they risk falling behind economically in the long term.
As it looks now, it's women who lose out because we share so unequally
"As it looks now, it's women who lose out because we share so unequally," Svanström stated. "We know that when children come, women's incomes drop. Then illness increases, career opportunities disappear, and in the end it gives women a low pension."
TCO is calling for policy changes including reserving more months for each parent in the parental insurance system and increasing compensation for the 90 days that currently have the lowest compensation. However, Elderly and Social Insurance Minister Anna Tenje (M) said the government is monitoring the development while emphasizing the importance of families being able to decide for themselves how to distribute their parental leave.
We know that when children come, women's incomes drop. Then illness increases, career opportunities disappear, and in the end it gives women a low pension