Of: Annie Matundu Mbambi, Annika Forests, Ayo Ayoola-Amale, Edwick Madzimure, Micheline Muzaneza, Pascasie Barampama and Sylvie N'dongmo
Democratic space is shrinking and voices are being silenced. Around the world, freedom of expression has become increasingly threatened. Now Sweden must take its responsibility and stop exporting weapons to countries that imprison human rights activists and restrict freedom of assembly, writes the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom.
June 20, 2017, Debate
Of: Pernille Fenger
This week, Foreign Minister Margot Wallström visited Ukraine - a country where one in four women is exposed to gender-based violence, according to our survey from 2014. Now there is a unique chance to reverse the trend of increased violence against women and girls, writes the UN Population Fund UNFPA.
June 16, 2017, Debate
Of: Daphne Jayasinghe
Today's global challenges require us to reconsider humanitarian aid. Instead of giving buckets and blankets, cash grants to poor women and girls can increase autonomy and reduce the risk of being exposed to violence, writes Daphne Jayasinghe at the International Rescue Committee.
May 19, 2017, Debate
Of: Jamila Haider
Food is often seen as a basic need that needs to be covered before we can address other values in society. But food can also be a bridge that includes marginalized groups in the development process, writes Jamila Haider, doctoral student at Stockholm Resilience Center with experience from Afghanistan.
May 8, 2017, Debate
Of: Jenny Hedstrom and Johanna Kvist
In recent years, Burma has opened up to the outside world, but women are still excluded from political contexts. It is crucial for the country's continued democratic development to strengthen the rights of girls and women. Sweden should therefore increase support for the local women's organizations whose gender equality work has already led to real change, write Jenny Hedström and Johanna Kvist from the Swedish Burma Committee.
March 16, 2017, Debate
Of: Gabriella Irsten
At the same time as the new regulations on arms exports have been delayed for several years, Sweden increased its exports of munitions by 45 percent in 2016. Swedish arms exports are not compatible with a feminist foreign policy and a majority of parliamentary parties say they want to stop arms exports to dictatorships. Now it's time to move on from words to action, writes Gabriella Irsten, International Women's Association for Peace and Freedom (IKFF).
March 13, 2017, Debate
Of: Ann Catherine Carlsson, Magdalena Hansen, Maria Lövström, Mona Bengtsson, Nicolas Berglund and Songul Can
Fair trade strengthens women's position and autonomy and thus contributes to the implementation of Agenda 2030. The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is proof that fair trade is possible. It is time to break unsustainable trade patterns if we want women's rights to be respected, several WFTO players in Sweden write.
March 8, 2017, Debate
Of: Anneli Rogeman, Annika Schabbauer, Annika Forests, Birgitta Göranson-Iliste, Bo Forsberg, Cecilia Chatterjee-Martinsen, Erik Lysén, Gabi Björsson, Kristina Henschen, Lisa Sjöblom, Lotta Sjöström Becker, Luis Lineo, Maria Andersson and Marianne Eriksson
President Donald Trump's reintroduction of the Global Gag Rule means that much of America's maternal health assistance is frozen - something that will affect those living in poverty the most. It risks significantly increasing the number of unwanted pregnancies and leading to the deaths of thousands of girls and women around the world. Now Sweden and the outside world must cover for the reduced aid. Therefore, 14 organizations in CONCORD Sweden's gender equality working group call on the government and the Riksdag to add new money to the spring budget.
February 23, 2017, Debate
Of: Kristina Ljungros and Maria Andersson
Donald Trump's administration risks a severe blow to women's rights and health, even far beyond the borders of the United States. In a situation where the United States may withdraw assistance in efforts related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, it is all the more important that other countries intensify their work in this area. That is why we are demonstrating tomorrow in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington, write Kristina Ljungros and Maria Andersson from RFSU.
January 20, 2017, Debate
Of: Linda Åkerström
Sweden exports weapons to countries that oppress women and LGBTQ people; countries that seriously violate human rights. Why do we trust these governments enough to supply them with munitions? It is time to put an end to arms exports that undermine the pursuit of freedom and democracy, writes Linda Åkerström from the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association.
January 9, 2017, Debate
