No country in the world has yet achieved total gender equality, but according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2016, the Nordic countries consistently top the rankings in the areas of economics, politics, education and health.

Iceland holds the top spot for the eighth consecutive year, with Finland, Norway and Sweden following close behind, making them role models for any institution, business or country as a whole.

One who has been inspired by the Nordic values and mind set is Fadumo Dayib. Born in Kenya to Somali parents, she was deported back to Somalia with her family. When civil war broke out shortly thereafter, the family was forced to leave again. Ending up in Finland, where she was afforded many opportunities she wouldn’t have received in her own country.

​Presidential candidate

Running for president in the recent elections in Somalia says something about her courage. Fadumo wants to work for the right for Somali women to have access to the same possibilities that she herself has been lucky enough to receive. She believes Somalia is ready for female leaders, and the fact that she could run at all, was in itself cause for celebration – even though she withdraw from the election as she simply didn’t believe they were fair and just.

Dayib’s story is just one example of many on Nordic inspiration to the world. The Nordic model points to fewer problems with ageing in the future, as well as higher labour activity and a more robust economy. The whole world could use more of the Nordic values.

A little more info

• Nordic countries are among the highest educated populations in the world. In the Nordic Region, a greater proportion of women than men have a higher education. 61% of those with higher education qualifications are women. Read 10 facts about gender equality here.
• Nordic countries are at the top of the Human Development Index with a record low corruption rate.
• The Nordic region is the area where trust in political institutions and the state is the greatest in the world. You can read about this and many more Nordic facts here.
• The Nordic countries are in the top of the table for the number of women in parliament. You can see the newest data from the international organization of Parliaments and the World Bank.