For the second year in a row, Redd Barna (Save the Children) ranked Norway the best place for women and children according to it´s health, economic and educational standards. Afghanistan was ranked the worst. It´s certainly no surprise that Norway ranks #1. Educated nations typically have the highest health standards and Norway is no exception. Norway is a healthy and wealthy country and the government takes very good care of the people, mothers in particular.
A high percentage of Norwegian women graduate from high school and proceed to secondary education. Furthermore, never before have there been so many women in the workforce. While Norwegian men participate to a higher degree in caring for their children, women still work fewer hours a week and spend more time with their children.
The government supports family time and the importance of mothers in their children´s lives in so many ways. It starts with maternity leave-the most impressive in the world. Norwegian mothers can take up to 12 months maternity leave with 80% pay or 10 months at full pay. That´s amazing! There are many mothers, particularly here in the U.S., that would not want to stay home that long with their babies. American women are known to be much more career driven than many other countries. However, I think it is so awesome that Norwegian women have this opportunity to stay at home and cherish the first year of their baby´s life.
As a result the value of education in Norway and government wealth, the mortality rate is extremely low (5%) and life expectancy very high (83 years of age for Norwegian women). There are medical professionals at nearly every birth in Norway, while only 14% of birthing women in Afghanistan are accompanied by a doctor. Women and children are very well taken care of. Health standards are extremely high and the government covers medical costs.
Of course the mentality of the Norwegian people and what they value are definitely important factors in this #1 ranking of the best place for mothers. However, this reality would not be possible without governmental wealth. Nevertheless, when I´m ready to have a baby, it will be difficult not to hop on a plane and try to weasle my way in… 😉
Comments:
Ruth Benedett:
My Stavanger cousins with their children have been very happy with all the help government has been with their two daughters. When I was reading (trying to read!) the Stavanger Aftenbladet a few days ago I read this http://www.aftenbladet.no/nytte/jobb/–Likestillingen-dreper-karri26egrave3Bren-1818222.html It basically says that employers are not anxious to hire women of child bearing age in the countries with “the best maternity leaves” – like Norway. But countries with “the worst” (the USA) have more women in higher positions. This is an interesting “unintended consequence”! Thanks for all you informative posts!!