Issue #1: In Conversation with the Federal Office for Gender Equality (Switzerland)

On January 21, 2026, Global Leaders from the International Youth Council on Gender Equality (IYCGE) had a conversation with representatives from Switzerland’s Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) to discuss national approaches to gender equality, with a focus on gender-based violence, economic autonomy, and the challenge of keeping gender equality on the political agenda. 

FOGE shared that gender-based violence is currently one of its most urgent priorities, particularly as Switzerland prepares for the upcoming Commission on the Status of Women.

FOGE presented Switzerland’s first national campaign on gender-based violence. The campaign is structured in phases and targets multiple levels of society. Its initial phase focuses on victims, emphasizing awareness, access to information, and understanding of rights.

As part of this effort, Switzerland introduced a new national emergency helpline in May. The helpline aims to simplify access to support and provide clearer pathways to assistance.

Later phases of the campaign shift attention to bystanders and perpetrators. These phases emphasize community responsibility, accountability, and behavioural change. FOGE stressed that effective prevention requires engagement beyond individual victims.

Women’s economic autonomy was also a key area of discussion. Although equal pay is constitutionally guaranteed, FOGE acknowledged that wage disparities persist in practice. Structural inequalities continue to affect economic outcomes. To address this, FOGE developed a confidential pay analysis tool that allows employers to assess whether women and men receive equal pay within their organizations. The tool is designed to encourage compliance while allowing organizations to identify gaps privately. 

The conversation also addressed work-life balance and unpaid care work. Women in Switzerland continue to carry a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, often balancing paid work with childcare and household labor. These patterns contribute to long-term economic consequences, including lower lifetime earnings and reduced pensions. FOGE described this as one of the most difficult challenges to address, given its deep social roots. 

FOGE emphasized the role of civil society organizations in shaping effective gender equality strategies. These partnerships help ensure that policies reflect lived experiences and social realities.

Youth engagement was also highlighted. Youth delegates regularly participate in federal processes and contribute perspectives that help sustain public and political attention on gender equality.

FOGE acknowledged an ongoing challenge. Gender equality risks being deprioritized as governments respond to global crises. Sustained progress requires long-term institutional commitment.

The conversation concluded with interest in continued dialogue, including potential engagement with Switzerland’s foreign policy institutions.

CURRENT is an International Youth Council on Gender Equality initiative that documents conversations between Global Ambassadors and political decision makers. It centers dialogue and institutional perspectives without policy advocacy or legislative demands.