Diversity enriches the Municipality of Växjö

Växjö is one of the first municipalities in Sweden working with diversity programme which includes democracy, gender equality, integration, sexual orientation, children and adolescents and disabilities. It also works on creating conditions whereby power and influence are divided fairly across all sections of the civic society. Utilizing the diversity of the citizens gives a key competitive advantage in the city's endeavour to become Europe's greenest municipality.

Växjö runs goal-orientated initiatives promoting equal rights, obligations, and opportunities, bettering good living conditions for all.

The right to protection from discrimination is a central tenet of basic human rights, as well as a key element of the Swedish Discrimination Act. The diversity programme is based on these regulations.

Discrimination, direct or indirect, is forbidden. The ideas regarding diversity should show in all of the municipality's sectors of activity, be included in budget, planning, and development work. In addition, all of the committees and municipal boards are expected to contribute to achieving the diversity targets.

Växjö aims to harness and develop the benefits of diversity. The city hopes to reach its goals through mutual respect, openness, understanding of all differences, and the systematic work.

Gender equality means giving women and men equal rights and opportunities to shape their lives. The city is committed to create municipal sectors whose work is consciously underpinned by the pursuit of equal opportunity. The services are intended to be equally accessible, of an equal quality, and equally well adapted for all, regardless of gender. Both women and men should be able to move freely, feeling safe and secure. Moreover, it is a basic right not to be subjected to physical or mental violence by someone in a close relationship.

STRATEGIES

• To achieve an equitable distribution of power and influence between men and women.
• Women and men should enjoy the same opportunities and conditions regarding education, work, and pensions.
• Physical and mental violence in relationships is to be eradicated.
• All services and activities provided to our citizens are intended to be of the same quality, regardless of gender.
• Entrepreneurship among women is to be encouraged.

FOLLOW- UP

Measuring change - all statistics regarding individuals are to be analysed and presented according to gender.

• The proportion of women and men studying at upper secondary schools, universities, and colleges.
• The proportion of women and men in employment, aged be tween 20-64, according to branches of business and sectors.
• The median income from employment of men and women, 20-64.
• The proportion of men and women, aged between 20-64, who run their own businesses.
• The proportion of women and men suffering from ill-health.
• The proportion of fathers taking out parental leave.
• The proportion of women and men working in the council.
• The proportion of women and men sitting on municipal committees and boards. Information is to be provided for members and replacements, as well as chairs and vice chairs. Figures are reported for every board and committee, as well as according to party affiliation.

OTHER FOLLOW- UP

The distribution of resources - How are resources distributed among men and women, boys and girls? Response and service - Is the language used in written materials and reports of proceedings gender-neutral? The service and response provided to our citizens is to be adapted according to the requirements and living conditions of both sexes.
Equality in handling and processing -Are women and men treated equally in this respect? Are women and men assessed on the same basis regarding, for example, financial aid and home help?
Survey of citizens - This provides information on how men and women assess the municipality's services. To what extent can they influence and participate in decision-making?

The municipality's boards and committees are responsible for:

• the programme being implemented in their own sectors;
• the programme's recognition among the municipality's residents;
• educational courses carried out within the area.