She continues the women's struggle in Chile - despite no to a new constitution for abortion rights

20-year-old Amapola Manquehual in Chile continues to participate in the protests for abortion rights and social reforms that have swept Latin America in recent years. This despite the fact that Chile last autumn voted no to a constitutional proposal that would legalize abortion in the country. Photo: Vilma Ellemark/Amapola Manquehual.

Of: Vilma Ellemark

In September 2022, Chile voted no to a historic constitutional proposal that, among other things, included gender quotas in public bodies and the right to abortion. This after several years of protests for social reforms and women's rights. - I cried when I saw the result, but I still have hope, says women's rights activist Amapola Manquehual.

April 5, 2023, FUF-correspondents, Interview

Promoting local democracy: "Must make your voice heard"

In November, the International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD) concluded the 2022 round of the Women's Leadership Program. The final workshop was held in Kigali, Rwanda. In the picture, this year's participants can be seen together with the Swedish politicians who through Sweden's Municipalities and Regions (SKR) are mentors in the program, as well as Rwanda's Minister for Gender Equality Jeannette Bayisenge and Sweden's ambassador to Rwanda Johanna Teague. Photo: ICLD.

Of: Agnes Durbeej-Hjalt

Every year, the International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD) organizes a leadership program for women in local political positions of power in low- and middle-income countries. The aim is to strengthen women in their leadership role to contribute to the development of local democracy. Development magazine has interviewed Anne Scheffer Leander, responsible for the program, about how the promotion of local democracy actually works in practice.  

January 23, 2023, Interview

Week 41: New government proposal agreed to reduce aid and five years since the start of #metoo

"Without yes it's no" - a placard from a demonstration in Montréal, Canada on June 19, 2020. Photo: Mélodie Descoubes. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Fredrik Govenius and Jonathan Lamy

The new government with Ulf Kristersson as prime minister will drop the one percent target and work to reduce Sweden's aid. The proposal arouses criticism from humanitarian organizations but is encouraged by some bourgeois leaders. Meanwhile, it's been five years since #metoo took the world by storm. 

October 17, 2022, Current debate

Week 40: "Support for women in Iran must not stop at murmurs"

Debaters demand that the EU and the rest of the world act more unitedly and forcefully in support of the protests in Iran. Pictured: Demonstrations in Stockholm in solidarity with Iranian women's freedom struggle. Photo: Artin Bakhan. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Sandra Duru and Vilma Ellemark

The discussion around the outside world's support for the protests in Iran continues. Several debaters believe that Sweden, the EU and the free world must now move from words to action. Also Erdogan outcome of a Swedish satirical program has been discussed during the past week.  

October 11, 2022, Current debate

Week 39: Debaters disagree on why the protests in Iran have become so powerful

Violent protests are ongoing in Tehran. Photo: Lingbeek, Getty Image Signature. Source: Canva.

Of: Liljan Daoud

The Iranian protests have once again interested the Swedish debaters this week - perhaps as a response to last week's criticism of a lack of support after mahsa Jina Aminis death. This week's debate has also discussed the veil and how, according to the debaters, it symbolizes the systematic the oppression of women.

October 3, 2022, Current debate

Week 38: Debaters demand support for Iranian women's freedom struggle

Protests have spread across Iran, and also elsewhere in the world, since 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after being beaten by Iran's so-called morality police for wearing her veil "the wrong way". The protests have been a central topic on Swedish debate and editorial pages during the past week. Pictured: Protest in London against the compulsion for women to wear the veil in Iran. Photo: Gary Knight. Source: Flickr.

Of: Elianne Kjellman and Ella Sjöbeck

The wave of protests in Iran, which erupted after the 22-year-old mahsa Aminis death that occurred in connection with her arrest by the Iranian morality police, has characterized the past week's debate and editorial pages. Several debaters are now calling on governments, organizations and individuals to support Iranian women's fight for freedom. Concerns about the consequences of cuts in Swedish aid has also been debated.

September 26, 2022, Current debate

Spring Brings Disappointment for Afghanistan's Women

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have - among other restrictions for women - restricted girls' possibility to go to school. Photo: Kajsa Waaghals.

Of: Arzo Bahar

Eight months after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, hope is paused as new policies restricting women are confirmed. These include an ongoing ban on secondary school for girls and increasingly stringent male escort requirements. Arzo Bahar, the president of the Female Staff Association of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, describes her experience as a working woman and mother, and the fears she has for her daughters.

April 26, 2022, English, Guest chronicle, Guest piece, Magazine

The future of women in Afghanistan

Date and time: 29 Mar, 18:00 - 19:00

The situation in Afghanistan changed drastically during the summer of 2021 when the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15 of that year. With the Taliban in power, Afghanistan risks becoming a country governed by Sharia law where women's human rights are curtailed. Now, about 7 months after the Taliban took power, many question marks remain. What does the situation look like right now? How is it affected […]

March 14, 2022, Calendar, Seminars, Webcast

Uncontrolled proliferation of weapons is a threat to women's rights and security

For every woman's safety, rights and well-being, in Sweden and the world, it is important to prevent access to illegal small and light weapons. This is what Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues, and Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, write in a debate article.

Today, on International Day Against Violence Against Women, we pay attention to the importance of gender equality in achieving lasting peace. Over a billion small and light weapons circulate around the world. The presence of firearms is clearly increasing levels of violence against women - both inside and outside armed conflicts. We demand more measures to prevent the uncontrolled spread of weapons in order to increase women's security and enable women to participate in society. It is written by Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, and Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues.

November 25, 2021, Debate

Sweden in unique global cooperation for gender equality

Two global forums are taking place this year to promote gender equality. Photo: Montanasuffragettes, Wikimedia Commons

Of: Jennie Aradszky

One year later than planned, the global gathering Generation Equality Forum took place in Mexico City. For three days, representatives from governments, companies and civil society gathered to develop concrete action plans to achieve gender equality, which will have effects within five years. Sweden has played an active role as a leader of a focus group on economic equality within the forum.

April 21, 2021, News