Interim evaluation of the 2030 Gender Equality Strategy: Progress visible, but action still needed
Bern, 12.12.2025 — The interim evaluation of the 2030 Gender Equality Strategy shows progress in gender equality in Switzerland, but notes that the strategy's goals have not yet been achieved. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 12 December. It has tasked the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) with supplementing the priority measures for the period 2027–2030 by the end of 2026 in line with the interim assessment. Internal and external administrative bodies are to be involved in this task.
In 2021, the Federal Council adopted the first National Strategy for Gender Equality. This focuses on four areas of action with corresponding strategic objectives: promoting equality in professional and public life, improving the balance between work and family, preventing gender-based violence and combating discrimination. The strategy is supplemented by a regularly updated action plan that includes measures taken by the federal government, cantons and cities. Since June 2023, the measures set out in Switzerland's national action plan for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention have also been integrated into the action plan for the 2030 Gender Equality Strategy 2030.
The interim evaluation of the 2030 Gender Equality Strategy was carried out by PrivatePublicConsulting in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). It concludes that the four areas of action cover essential areas and that meaningful goals have been defined. Positive developments have been noted in various areas of action, particularly in the promotion of equality in professional and public life. However, according to the interim evaluation, the goals of the Gender Equality Strategy have not yet been achieved overall. The report attributes this to a lack of financial and human resources for implementing the measures and insufficient recognition of the issue, particularly on the part of politicians and business leaders. The interim evaluation identifies a need for further action in the areas of intersectionality, care work, LGBTQI+ and men as a target group, where the report identifies thematic gaps.
Strategy delivers benefits for gender equality policy
A survey conducted as part of the interim evaluation at federal agencies, cantons, communes and external specialist agencies shows that, despite the existing challenges, the majority of respondents attribute great added value to the Gender Equality Strategy. In particular, they say it helps to legitimise measures, strengthen the relevance of gender equality issues and raise the profile of activities.
The evaluation team concludes with a set of recommendations. These include defining new measures and refining and supplementing the indicators for measuring success. Furthermore, the second half of the implementation period should be used to provide targeted impetus, motivate stakeholders and allow the FOGE to monitor implementation more closely.
Additional priority measures until the end of 2026
At its meeting on 12 December, the Federal Council took note of the interim evaluation. It has tasked the FOGE with working with other federal offices to add new priority measures at federal level for the period 2027–2030 and to submit any further adjustments to the Gender Equality Strategy to it by the end of 2026. In addition to internal administrative actors, cantons, communes and civil society organisations are also to be involved.
Further information:
Interim evaluation report (French)
Evaluation Intermediaire Strategie Egalite 2030 Rapport Final