Germany: Pay Transparency Enshrined in Law
lIn 2017, Germany passed a law requiring companies to be more transparent about employee compensation. In companies with more than 200 employees, a woman may ask management for the pay figures of her male colleagues in similar positions. Companies with more than 500 employees are required to regularly publish a report on pay gaps within their organization.
Iceland: A Pioneer in Pay Equity
Ranked the most equal country in the world by the World Economic Forum in 2017, a law was enacted requiring employers to prove that they pay women and men equally for work of equal value. Companies must provide proof of this to the authorities, who, if this requirement is met, issue a certificate; in the event of non--compliance with the law, companies face financial penalties
Japan: Menstrual leave has existed since 1947
Menstrual leave has been enshrined in law for 77 years. Companies cannot require an employee to work if she is experiencing discomfort due to her menstrual cycle. Nor does the employer have the right to demand a doctor’s note or to limit the duration of theabsence. However, the law does not specify whether this leave must be paid, which gives companies considerable leeway regarding compensation
Spain: Fathers and mothers have the same leave
Spain is one of the European countries leading the way on gender equality. Since January 1, 2021, Spanish fathers have been entitled to paternity leave of the same duration as maternity leave, which is 16 weeks.
Norway: Mixed Military Service
Since 2013, military service has been mixed. Male and female recruits are selected based on their abilities and motivation. They serve in the same regiments—and also share the same dormitories.
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