The International Women's Day on March 8 is an occasion when we can all shed light on gender equality issues and how we can go further in these. Today I would like to highlight some examples and thoughts linked to my time as vice chairman and then chairman of the Swedish National Union of Students. As an elected representative at the national level, I have had the privilege of moving in contexts where people with a great opportunity to make actual change are. People who often speak out and be role models.
International Women's Day on March 8 is an occasion when we can all shed light on gender equality issues and how we can go further in these. Of course, there should not be a separate day for this, but I intend to take advantage. Because it is a good opportunity to see for yourself, your own situation and surroundings.
Through life, education, student life and society, I have many times had to endure unreasonableness, harassment and abuse due to being a woman. Today I would like to highlight some examples and thoughts linked to my time as vice chairman and then chairman of the Swedish National Union of Students. As an elected representative at the national level, I have had the privilege of moving in contexts where people with a great opportunity to make actual change are. People who often speak out and be role models.
A person with influence, space and power in the sector has told me that “You should not smile so much when you are on stage. You are young and beautiful and it gets easy to flirt”. Feel free to put this in the light of what another person with at least as much influence, power and space (if not more) said “You do not always have to be that 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 will develop and legitimize what has been said. Here and there it certainly feels a little strange, but it is only afterwards that this type of comment gets stuck. It goes under the skin and lies like a mist. I am often afraid of the effect that the constant wave of double punishment has on women's own opportunities to set an example or exercise influence that entails a positive change. I am also concerned about how these behaviors are so natural even among those with great opportunities to change structure and culture in the sector and society.
People in positions of power need to reflect on their own behavior and exercise, not just talk about a change that is needed. Intentions can be good, but a change is also based on one's behavior. So how do we actually achieve 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 even through their actions? Such behavior not only digs out the potential for change in the directly affected, but risks getting far larger rings on 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 not you want to contribute to either. Personally, I need to get better at standing up for myself and others. Then mark 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, environment and opportunity to change. A change in the individual can reach far beyond him.
Are you in?