Social Democratic Women in Sweden (S-kvinnor) is feminists who place the class struggle side by side with the struggle for increased gender equality. Our association is for women throughout the whole of Sweden. Together we fight for increased gender equality in society and in our own Party.
History
Social Democratic Women in Sweden was established in 1920, by representatives from 120 women's clubs. During the early decades S-kvinnor worked for child care, advanced payment of maintenance allowance, the abortion issue, against prostitution etc.
During the 1950's, S-kvinnor strongly opposed to nuclear arms for Sweden, a deciding factor for the Government's no to nuclear arms. S-kvinnor also promoted equality between women and men in the labour market, in the home, in the taxation system and in education.
S-kvinnor launched the idea of a six hour working day. The field where Sweden may be the most advanced is the system for child care services and parental leave. These issues have been central to S-kvinnor the last 50 years. Since the 50's S-kvinnor has been deeply involved in issues concerning women in the developing countries.
Why a women's organization?
Legally women have the same rights as men, but the labour market is strongly segregated between the sexes and women's work is not properly valued. Women's work means less income and women still perform two jobs, in the labour market and in the home children and house work are still the main responsibility for women. Women are also underrepresented in all parts of society where important decisions are made. That's why we need a women's organization.
The overriding goals of S-kvinnor are:
- defend the interests of women in society,
- influence the political debate,
- educate women for political work.
Current political issues
Full-time employment
Today more than 80 percent of Swedish women are in the labour market, but many are trapped in part time unemployment. Economic independence for both men and women is essential in order to achieve an equal society. All women must therefore be entitled to full-time employment with an option to reduce their hours to part-time when needed.
Equal pay and working environment
The labour market is strongly segregated between the sexes and women’s work is not properly valued. Women’s work means less income. S-kvinnor works for equal pay for equal work and for better wages for women working in women dominated sectors. Wage differences caused by gender discrimination must be abolished. Together with trade union women S-kvinnor also works for better conditions for women in the working market.
Family politics
Women still perform two jobs, in the labour market and in the home, where children and house work are still the main responsibility for women. S-kvinnor therefore urges that all needs of child care be met by society and that the parental leave (which is 13 months) is divided equally between mothers and fathers. A first step is to earmark five month to each parent and let them decide for themselves on how to divide the remaining three month.
Women's right to power
Everyone should have the same rights and equal opportunities irrespective of their gender. Women are underrepresented in all parts of society where important decisions are made. The fight for equal political representation is prioritized. S-kvinnor calls for more women in politics and educating women for political work is an important issue.
Economic policy
S-kvinnor works for a better understanding and knowledge of the consequences of economic policy on matters of equality.
Fair distribution of welfare
S-kvinnor works for a viable general welfare system as a guarantee for individual welfare.
Multicultural integration in society
The issue of successful integration of our new Swedes is of greatest importance for S-kvinnor. We consider this question to be considered and relevant in all other political issues and aspects of society. Integration concerns every participant in our society.
Women’s right to their own body
S-kvinnor demands that more resources be granted to fight men’s violence against women and children, including honour killings. Prostitution is a form of male violence by sexual service, which is a crime in Sweden. The fight against prostitution and trafficking must continue nationally as well as internationally. Women’s right to abortion must be defended.
Sweden and the EU
Certain aspects are crucial for women in relation to European matters; security and defence policy, taxes, relations to the developing countries, the matter of democracy and the social welfare system.
International politics
S-kvinnor actively works towards engaging more women in politics and achieving a greater female representation in political positions. The aim of our international projects is to enhance women's rights and educate women and support their democratic organisation.
S-kvinnor calls for special development aid to women in developing countries and support for women in central and Eastern Europe.
S-kvinnor calls for restrictions on Swedish arms export.
At the international level S-kvinnor cooperates with our sister organisations in PES Women and Socialist International Women.
The organization
The congress takes place every second year. It is the highest political organ within S-kvinnor and makes decisions on the political orientation for the coming years.
The leadership of the organization is elected by the congress. It draws up and carries out the organization's policy, informing on women's policy and influencing the Social Democratic Party, the Parliament and the public opinion.
26 Districts support the local Clubs in their activities. The women's District Board consists of active club members.
300 local clubs form the most important part of the organization. The Clubs work with political education, influence local politics and participate in international solidarity projects. The clubs members also meet in study groups and conduct political debates. The women's clubs are affiliated to the local party organization; all Club members are Party members. But not all women Party members are S-kvinnor. It is not an automatic membership, it is an active choice.
Finances. The activities of Social Democratic Women in Sweden are financed by the membership fees and contributions from the Social Democratic Party.