Experts from countries including India and the United States exchanged ideas on gender equality at the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion on Nov 22.

Asa Regner, Sweden minister for children, the elderly and gender equality shared Swedish experiences on promoting gender equality.

Sweden has been recognized as a leading nation in gender equality promotion. Regner said females in Sweden have the chance to participate in non-government work and said the government takes serious consideration of female interests when they set up policies. Moreover, females have equal opportunities as males to participate in paid work, regardless their marital status.

Regner stressed that all related parties have to make contributions in a society so as to realize gender equality. She said many males have played significant roles in empowering women and girls in history. She hopes more males can join gender equality work.

Mirai Chatterjee, director of social security at the self-employed Women Association suggested that four actions might be taken to promote gender equality. For instance, to allow families' assets to be registered under the female name and for governments provide more social support, including properties and pension funds to females.

Thokozile Ruzvidzo, director of gender division of the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, stressed the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation. She said non-government organizations and civil society cannot provide enough support in gender equality movements. Governments, the public and society have to work together to promote gender equality, she said.