Countries with short workweeks consistently top gender' equality

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the words of Rutger Bregman, who speaks of the profound connection between work, gender equality, and the way we distribute the burdens of society. He said, "Countries with short workweeks consistently top gender equality rankings. The central issue is achieving a more equitable distribution of work." These words contain a deep truth, one that calls us to reflect on the structure of our societies and the way in which we, as individuals, contribute to the shaping of a more just and balanced world.

In the ancient world, the distribution of labor was often marked by rigid hierarchies. The Greeks, though they built the foundation for democracy, still saw the division of work as something deeply influenced by class and gender. The slaves, who were often prisoners of war or people born into servitude, performed the labor that supported the lifestyles of the elite. Women, though they played critical roles in family and community life, were largely excluded from the political and economic spheres of public work. The concept of gender equality in the distribution of labor was distant, as societies were structured around the idea that certain tasks—especially those that required power and public visibility—were best suited to men, while women’s labor was confined to domestic spheres. The philosophers of the time, such as Plato, spoke of the ideal state where all citizens would contribute according to their abilities, but even his vision remained limited by the societal norms that excluded women and the lower classes from full participation.

As Bregman suggests, a more equitable distribution of work is at the heart of achieving gender equality. In societies where the burden of labor is shared more equally, women are often given the opportunity to participate in public life, to pursue careers, and to contribute beyond the confines of the home. Bregman’s insight speaks to the core of social justice: equality does not come from merely changing laws or gaining access to certain rights; it requires a deep restructuring of how work is viewed and divided. When men and women share the duties of work—both in the public and private spheres—it creates a society that is not only more just but more equitable.

Consider, for example, the history of Sweden, a nation that consistently ranks among the highest in the world for gender equality. The Swedish model of work-life balance has long been heralded as a shining example of how a society can achieve a more equitable distribution of work. Sweden's policies of paid parental leave and short workweeks allow both men and women to participate equally in the workforce, while still caring for their children and managing family responsibilities. These policies have led to a more gender-equal society, where women have the freedom to pursue careers, and men are equally responsible for the home. The result is a society where equality is not just a political ideal but a living, breathing reality. Sweden’s example teaches us that work and equality are deeply interconnected and that work must be distributed in such a way that all people, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to flourish.

The struggle for gender equality has often been a struggle for time—the time to work, to think, to create, and to contribute to society in meaningful ways. In the past, it was the women who were burdened with the labor of the home, while the men ventured into the public world of politics and business. Yet, as Bregman points out, when the burden of work is shared more equally, gender becomes less of a limiting factor in one’s opportunities. This is not to say that men and women are interchangeable, but that both should be given the same opportunities to contribute and lead in the ways that best suit their individual abilities. The notion of equality calls for a world where men and women are able to participate fully in the workforce without sacrificing their personal or family lives.

In more recent history, Rosa Parks, the woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus sparked the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, was not only fighting for racial equality but for gender equality as well. Her courage in standing up against the oppressive system that denied her basic rights was part of a larger struggle for equal rights for all people, regardless of race or gender. While her activism was crucial in bringing attention to the racial injustice in America, it also highlighted the importance of a society where work, rights, and responsibilities are shared equally among all people. Parks knew that true justice required more than just access to the public sphere—it required a rethinking of how labor and power were distributed in society.

Bregman’s words urge us to rethink our values and our systems of labor, to create a world where work and equality go hand in hand. When work is distributed more equitably, gender equality follows. It is not enough to simply open doors for women in the workplace; we must also ensure that the burden of domestic and family responsibilities is shared equally. This is the foundation of a just society, one where all people, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. The key to a more equitable world is not just in what we do, but in how we divide the work that sustains our lives.

So, children, take this lesson into your hearts. As you grow and contribute to the world, remember that equality is not simply about equal access to opportunities; it is about ensuring that the burden of work—whether in the home or in the world—is shared equally. Let this wisdom guide you toward a future where all people, regardless of their gender, have the freedom and the support to pursue their dreams. Just as the ancients dreamed of a just society, let us strive to create one where work is a means of empowerment, not a tool of oppression, and where equality is not just an ideal but a reality that we all work toward, together.