International Women's Day on March 8th is an opportunity for us all to shine a light on gender equality issues and how we can go further in these. Today I would like to highlight some examples and reflections connected to my time as vice-chair and then chair of the Swedish National Union of Students. As an elected representative at the national level, I have had the privilege of being in contexts where people with great potential to make actual change are located. People who often speak out and are role models.
International Women's Day on March 8th is an opportunity for us all to shine a light on gender equality issues and how we can achieve more in these areas. Of course, there shouldn't be a need for a separate day for this, but I'm going to take the opportunity. Because it's a good opportunity to examine yourself, your own situation and your surroundings.
Throughout my life, education, student life and society, I have often had to endure absurdities, harassment and abuse because of being a woman. Today I would like to highlight some examples and reflections connected to my time as vice-chairman and then chairman of the Swedish National Union of Students. As an elected representative at a national level, I have had the privilege of being in contexts where people with great potential to make actual change are located. People who often speak out and act as role models.
A person with influence, space and power in the sector has told me that “You shouldn't smile so much when you're on stage. You're young and beautiful and it's easy to get flirty.". Please put this in the light of the fact that another person with at least as much influence, power and space (if not more) said "You don't always have to be so tough.” to me. These things and others have all been said under the slogan that others want to help me. Strengthen me as a young woman. Often with long explanations that are supposed to develop and legitimize what has been said. Now and then it certainly feels a little strange, but it is only in retrospect that these types of comments take hold. It gets under the skin and lies like a fog. I am often afraid of the effect the constant wave of double punishment has on women's own opportunities to be role models or to exert influence that entails positive change. I am also concerned about how these behaviors are so natural even among those with great opportunities to change the structure and culture in the sector and society.
People in positions of power need to reflect on their own behavior and performance, not just talk about a change that is needed. Intentions may be good, but change is also based on one's behavior. So how do we achieve actual change when many who are pushing for change do not reflect it in their own behavior? And what does it mean for a movement when role models within it do not connect to what they stand for in words and through their actions? Such behavior not only undermines the potential for change in those directly affected, but risks having far greater ripples in the water. If we do not remind ourselves and start from the individual, we contribute to a culture that normalizes the oppression of women.
It's not something I, and hopefully you, want to contribute to. Personally, I need to get better at standing up for myself and others. Then point out something is wrong and use the space I now have for change. How do I treat others and do I really live as I teach? I hope that more people think about their situation, surroundings and the possibility of change. A change in the individual can reach far beyond this person.
Are you there?