Gender equality: Federal government and cantons continue their dialogue
Bern, 17.04.2026 — The second meeting on gender equality between the federal government and the cantons took place today in Bern at the invitation of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider. It brought together the head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and the cantonal councillors responsible for gender equality with the aim of strengthening their collaboration. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy 2030 and on the key role played by the cantons.
Gender Equality Strategy 2030 as a frame of reference
Discussions focused on the Gender Equality Strategy 2030, the progress made in its implementation, and the planned direction up to 2030. The strategy, which was adopted by the Federal Council in 2021, has helped to structure, strengthen and raise the profile of efforts in the field of equality, by bringing together previously scattered initiatives and creating a shared momentum. Its action plan now comprises more than 300 measures, nearly half of which are being implemented by the cantons. Following an interim evaluation, the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) has been tasked, in collaboration with other federal offices, with identifying priority measures for the period 2027–2030 and examining possible adjustments to the strategy by the end of 2026. The cantons, communes and civil society organisations are involved in these efforts. The discussions also focused on the future national strategy against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, which will be drawn up in close collaboration with the cantons and for which political responsibility at federal level will be shared between the Federal Department of Home Affairs and the Federal Department of Justice and Police.
Cantonal measures and exchange of best practices
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss a number of cantonal initiatives stemming from the strategy’s action plan: the ‘Girls’ Parliament’ (GR), which encourages young women to participate in politics; the ‘Equality in the Workplace’ project (FR), which raises awareness among businesses about gender equality in the workplace; the ‘JOB&LIFE’ platform (BL), which supports employment conditions that facilitate work-life balance, and the ‘DoLaS’ programme (ZH), aimed at preventing reoffending among sex offenders.
Further information:
Interim evaluation of the Gender Equality Strategy 2030: available in German and French
Meeting between the federal government and the cantons to promote gender equality