S2E3 : Ann-Britt Svensson and Marianne Lööf on Kvinno Center in Sweden

Ann-Britt Svensson is a teacher and Marianne Lööf is a social worker. Both work at the Women's Center (Kvinno Center) in Bergsjön. The Swedish non-profit organisation was founded in 1998 to help women with immigrant backgrounds participate in society. They talk about the challenges of finding funding, the meaningful work they do, political integration, and how they help in bridging cultures. Ann-Britt describes that “integration is mostly about participating in society and making your voice heard.” Women’s Centre in Bergsjön runs as a local center of excellence for equality and diversity. They are an open meeting place for women of all ages and nationalities with an ambition to pass on knowledge to members; collaborate with other similar organizations and businesses. Due to their efforts in bridging the gap, 80 women were able to come out to work, and were employed in jobs such as cultural translators. Now, the Women's Center wants to be able to promote exchanges internationally. Marianne also explains how they deal with racist people by inviting them to the Women's Center and help fight for the rights of women in every way they can. “I think it is very important, they learn and work together, and support each other at the women's center. It is a nice place to be for them and for us. We learn together,” says Marianne. Ann-Britt thoughtfully adds about human rights being so important to participate and integrate as a part of society. Learning a language is a human right just as the right to work. About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society: The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles. Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade. Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley.  Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles Read articles: www.oslodesk.com