As Diversity Charter Sweden celebrates 15 years in 2025, it's time to look back at how it all began. What were the challenges at the start? And what does the future hold? One of the initiators and driving forces, Margareta Eklund - the organisation's first president 2010-2013 and now an honorary member - shares her reflections.
An unexpected opportunity was the starting shot
- What was your vision, your goal when you took the initiative to start Diversity Charter Sweden in 2010?
- It was actually a coincidence. I was working on an international project on gender equality and diversity, involving Spain, France, Germany and Italy. I was representing a non-profit organisation from Sweden. The EU saw the potential of the network and started supporting the project. I was then given the task of establishing a Swedish organisation that could participate in the collaboration.
Challenges and successes along the way
- What have been the biggest challenges and successes in your journey from inception to 2013?
- Back in 2008, three large companies wanted to join from the start, but for various reasons it didn't work out. The big challenge was to find a group of companies that dared to invest in something completely new - at that time, diversity work was a relatively unknown concept in Sweden.
- During my time as President, much of the focus was on building the organisation from the ground up: membership, formal structures, statutes, logo - all those basic pieces needed to set the framework.
"Of course we will start a Charter"
- What were the main achievements during your time as President?
- A pivotal event was when I met Åsa Nilsson Billme at a conference in Sollefteå. I told her about the challenges of starting the Diversity Charter, and Åsa responded immediately: "Of course we will start a Charter!"
- After the conference, we started working together and managed to gather ten organisations. It was thanks to their courage and commitment that Diversity Charter Sweden became a reality. I am deeply grateful and humbled by their efforts.
The future of diversity work - what is needed now?
- What do you think are the most important diversity issues and challenges to focus on in the future?
- It is difficult to give a straight answer, as both Sweden and the world are constantly changing. Many of the things we took for granted are being reassessed.
- However, one thing is certain: Sweden must have a strong and coherent Diversity Charter to face the future. It is crucial for us to keep moving in the right direction.
A journey that is just beginning
Diversity Charter Sweden has come a long way since its inception in 2010, but the work is far from finished. With insights from pioneers like Margareta Eklund and the brave companies that dared to invest from the start, we can continue to drive change - for the future of work across Europe.
Diversity Charter Sweden 2010-2025
15 years of diversity & inclusion - Together we create change
The Diversity Charter is the world's largest network for diversity and inclusion in the world of work, with initiatives in all 27 EU countries. Diversity Charter Sweden is the Swedish part of the network. At a time like this, it has never been more important to raise the visibility of the EU and Europe - especially in the promotion of diversity.
Curious about how we continue to drive change? Find out more about our work with Diversity Charter Sweden and how you can get involved.
Margareta Eklund was interviewed by Anna Carlsson Sigstedt in March 2025 and the article was edited and finalised by Maya Estelle in April 2025.
