FEMINIST LETTER NO 1
To all feminists
Dear feministI wish to see my position as Member of Parliament at the disposition of the feminist movement. I hope that you as a feminist, through me, can take part in debates, ask questions to members of the government, suggest legislation and oblige the political parties to take a stand on key feminist issues.
Feminism is not on today’s political agenda. Even though the feminist movement in Sweden is very much alive, competent and full of ideas, the process of change is very slow.
-Women still do most of the unpaid work in the home
- 99.6% of the managing directors of companies on the stock exchange are men.
- Violence exercised by men within close relationships is the most common cause of death for women between
the ages of 15 and 44.
- Men’s share of parental leave is 14% only.
- The wage gap between women and men is not closing.
- The number of women with temporary employment is on the increase.
The gender power order permeates the whole of society. Women and their particular needs
constantly take second place. That is why I believe we feminists need a platform of our own to stand on
and to act from. As Member of Parliament I can contribute such a platform and act as your direct
channel into Parliament.
I am still a member of the Left Party, but will not be a member of any committee, nor will I let myself
be restricted by party limitations. I consider myself to be first and foremost a feminist and wish to see my parliamentary seat as an instrument to be used by the feminist movement.
Together with you I want to speed up the process of feminist change. I am in Parliament by your mandate.
This is a process which we can influence together.
If you have any good ideas, send me a mail at the following address :gudrun.schyman@riksdagen.se
Help me to pass this on!
We will be in touch!
Gudrun Schyman
Tillbaka till Tidigare Feministbrev
