When Malmö Pride approached to me with the idea of hosting a joint event, the response was an enthusiastic "Yes!" from our team. Understanding the significance of such collaboration, we immediately sprang into action, eager to contribute to an event that promised not only to celebrate diversity and inclusion but also to foster a sense of community and belonging.
In the planning phases, both teams worked closely, sharing ideas, responsibilities, and visions for what we hoped to achieve. Together we developed LGBTQIA+ people in Entrepreneurship. We decided to bring together various key players including gender scientists, LGBTQIA+ founders, and researchers in a discussion. This led us to reflect on the individual and collective role in closing the gender gap.
Learnings from the Panelists
Vanessa Schmidt, a panelist, underscored the challenges of fostering gender equality awareness in conventional workplaces. As an expert with a rich background in gender and cultural studies, spanning the non-profit sector, cultural organizations, and academia, Schmidt is an advocate for social movements. She emphasized the critical need for safe spaces for dialogue and the importance of refraining from assumptions.
In her capacity at Jämställd Utveckling Skåne (Gender Equality Development Skåne), Schmidt has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity across the region through diverse educational initiatives, seminars, and training programs. Her strategic insights into incorporating inclusive language within corporate strategies have been pivotal.
Anna Blixt, contributing her perspective as a lecturer on gender equality, addressed the inherent biases in labor markets and the importance of expanding recruitment horizons beyond traditional networks. Her extensive knowledge in gender studies, political science, and economics facilitated a nuanced discussion.
The dialogue also covered the importance of self-education on gender diversity, utilizing accessible resources such as Google, to create equitable and inclusive environments. A notable suggestion was expanding the scope of business networking beyond conventional settings like saunas and golf clubs.
Karl Yves Vallin, co-founder of Lufu and a project manager at RFSL Malmö, brought forward his expertise as a facilitator at the Refugees, Borders & Immigration summit during the World Pride's Human Rights Forum. Karl's work focuses on the rights of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, emphasizing the discrimination these groups face and the necessity for their inclusion in entrepreneurial efforts.
Ingo Cando, the founder of Wotever World, shared his 25-year journey in establishing ventures that contribute to a more equitable society. Cando's insights into community building and the evolution of Wotever World highlighted the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive startup ecosystem in Skåne.
The panel wrapped up with an interactive session, offering the audience a chance to engage with the topics through the panelists' varied lenses. The subsequent networking event enabled founders, entrepreneurs, and international talents to forge connections aimed at promoting inclusivity within Southern Sweden.
Why is this important
This event served as a platform for stakeholders committed to human rights, sparking the development of inclusive entrepreneurial projects. Through audience engagement, the discussions emphasized the need for inclusivity across all spheres, advocating for respect and dignity in all interactions.
