A seminar in London asked why Sweden ranks low on female representation in corporate management.

During a performance at a stand-up comedy club in New York a Swedish comedian said that ”In Sweden we are so equal that even men are allowed to sit down when having a pee”. But have women taken the same brave steps?

Sweden has an international reputation as a nation on the forefront of equality. However, compared to many European countries, Sweden ranks low on female representation in corporate management. During the early 21st century, Sweden has fallen from number 11 to number 16 on the Eurostat ranking of women in top management.

"I always thought the equality in Sweden was fantastic – like Nirvana for women. But now I know that Sweden is not as great as I thought”, Cherie Blair, founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, said during a seminar on gender equality in London, hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom. 

During a panel discussion leading corporate and political personalities from Sweden and the UK talked about matters of equality and why there still are so few women on top positions.

“People think it must be so easy to be responsible for gender equality in a country like Sweden. But it’s the other way around. It’s the hardest job in the world because everyone is wearing gender glasses”, said Jens Orback, Secretary General of Olof Palme International Center. “When men look in the mirror they see a human being. When women look in the mirror they see a woman”.

In an opinion article last year Gudrun Schyman, leader of the Feminist Party, said she would “combat the male dominated boardrooms and executive suites” and fight for a legislation of measures to increase the percentages of women on boards of executives.

However, to force companies into gender balance was not a popular suggestion at the London seminar.

“If you are the only woman in a meeting you may not have the guts to speak up because you are in such a minority“, said Helena Morrisey, chief executive officer of Newton Capital Management, but also added that “It’s intuitively wrong to force companies into gender balance”.

Sven Hagströmer, chairman of Investment AB Öresund, said that it’s wrong when politicians target boards.

“The debate is hot. And we have come a long way in Sweden. It is more important with governmental influence than positive action for women. There is no incitement for women now", he said. “That’s only 100 women in Sweden that is affected. The recruitment is the right target".

Angela Knight, Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association, emphasized what she believed to be the some of the issues:

"A lot of women do not want to take on a challenge. But it is easy to beat the men. Just read the newspaper before the meeting begins."