As Diversity Charter Sweden celebrates 15 years, we are highlighting some of the people who have been crucial to the network's development. One of them is Katarina Önell, Client Director at Kantar, who was Chair between 2015 and 2018 - three years characterised by commitment, drive and a lot of heart.
- It was an intense time, but also very meaningful. We were a small board working voluntarily alongside our regular jobs. There was a strong will to make things happen," says Katarina.
The network grew - both locally and internationally
During these years, the network took clear steps forward. Membership more than doubled, from around 30 to over 80 companies, and a new regional programme was launched in Gothenburg.
- "The fact that we could establish ourselves outside Stockholm felt important. It showed that more people wanted to be involved in pushing the issues - and that there was a desire for concrete discussions about inclusion," she says.
At the same time, Swedish member companies began to gain visibility internationally. Several participated as speakers at EU meetings in Brussels, Prague and Dublin.
- It was great to be involved in the European context. It put both Sweden and our network on the map.
Five-year anniversary and major project responsibilities
A particularly strong memory is the network's fifth anniversary, hosted by Swedbank and attended by members from all over the country.
- It was a great evening, both festive and meaningful. We really felt that what we had built mattered.
But there were also tough challenges. REaD was a large and important EU-funded co-operation project run by the previous Board. When Katarina and her colleagues took over, it became clear that accounting was a challenge - both extensive and complex, with multiple partners involved.
Thanks to the hard work of the then Treasurer in particular, the project was successfully completed.
- It was a relief. It showed that even complex things could be achieved, even though we were working on a voluntary basis.
”Inclusion is not just about values - diversity is also about results”
Looking ahead, Katarina sees both opportunities and risks. The interest in diversity issues is there - but it takes more than good will.
- We need to better demonstrate the link between inclusion and concrete results. It is not just about values, but also about innovation, growth and better decisions.
And it's about not losing momentum - especially at a time when some rights are being questioned, she says.
- We need to continue to raise issues concerning women, LGBTI+, different ethnicities and other groups at risk of marginalisation. It must not become quieter - on the contrary.
Questions that are easily forgotten
Some perspectives are still not given enough space, she says.
- Mental and intellectual disabilities are hardly talked about at all. It's still a fairly silent area, even though the need is great - both for individuals and for employers.
She also highlights age as an important issue for the future.
- We have several generations in the labour force at the same time, and we work longer than before. This affects how we lead, collaborate and build culture.
At the same time, it is important to look beyond Sweden's borders.
- In Nigeria, over 60 per cent of the population is under 25. This says something about the perspectives that will shape the future of labour.
Hard work, big steps forward - and a lot of heart
"The years as chairperson were both challenging and rewarding," says Katarina. And something she still carries with her.
- It was a lot of work, but also many steps forward. And there was so much heart in what we did. We made it possible - together.
Although she is no longer on the board, the issues are still important to her.
- The work is not done. It is up to all of us to continue building a more inclusive world of work. Not just because it feels right - but because it actually makes a difference.
A movement that carries on
Diversity Charter Sweden has grown through the efforts of passionate people like Katarina Önell - and through the shared commitment that turns ideas into reality. By building on their work, we can continue to strengthen diversity and inclusion - in Sweden, in Europe and for the future of work.
This article is based on an interview with Katarina Önell, conducted in April 2025. Text: Maya Estelle, 14 April 2025.
About us
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 in Diversity Charter Sweden - and how you can get involved.
