Letter of intent for an attractive, equal and inclusive work and study environment in the green sector
This letter of intent demonstrates our shared vision of gender-equal and fair study environments and workplaces in the green sector, drawing upon systematic work environment management intended for this purpose. We define the green sector as comprising forestry, agriculture and horticulture, livestock husbandry, veterinary science, hunting, reindeer herding, fishing and aquaculture.
1. Vision
A green sector with world-leading, attractive, equal and inclusive work and study environments.
2. Purpose
The aim of this letter of intent is to improve the green sector’s social and organisational work and study environments. The intention is to offer gender-equal workplaces and study environments to students and professionals belonging to the green sector.
3. Objective
The green sector will be a place of work and study where everyone feels included, safe and welcome. We will achieve this by:
- working actively to create attractive study and working conditions, characterised by gender equality and equal opportunities;
- improving and highlighting the work to combat discrimination and harassment;
- acting to renew and create a nuanced picture of the green sector;
- being a role model for other companies/organisations and for pupils and students in the green sector.
4. Other policies/documents
This letter of intent focuses on those active within the green sector – from education providers and policy-making organisations, to companies and workplaces. The document does not replace individual policy documents, instead it acts as a complement.
5. Action plan
The signatories have different roles, but all parties need to do the following:
- Clearly demonstrate that gender-equal and fair study and work environments are a prerequisite for successful work and study results.
- Work actively to integrate a gender equality perspective into the organisation.
- Work actively so student representatives, staff, elective representatives, and managers collaborate on matters related to the purpose of this letter of intent.
- Elevate knowledge, for example through training courses, to create a gender-equal and fair work and/or study environment.
- Share relevant positive examples and experiences with other organisations.
Furthermore, the Discrimination Act (2008:567) stipulates that employers and education providers must:
- actively combat discrimination and in other ways promote equal rights and opportunities regardless of sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age;
- take responsibility for creating a respectful and inclusive work and study environment free from discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment;
- have guidelines concerning suspected discrimination and harassment;
- have guidelines in place to rapidly address suspicions or cases of discrimination and harassment;
- make it clear that discrimination and harassment of employees, students or upper-secondary students may involve disciplinary measures.
Signatories:
Maria Knutson Wedel
Vice-Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Mattias Persson
Chair, Agronomförbundet
Felicia Edman
Deputy Chair, Alnarp Student Union
Ulrik Wedelin
Area Head, Forest and Agriculture, Handelsbanken
Linn Riddarhierta
Chair, Equine Science Student Union (HAS)
Sören Petersson
Area Head, Forest, Holmen
Victoria Tönnberg
Chair, Hortonomförbundet
Jesper Broberg
Association Director, Rural Economy and Agricultural Societies
Karolina Lagerlund
CEO, Swedish Horse Industry Foundation (HNS)
Solveig Larsson
Chair, Jägarnas Riksförbund
Palle Borgström
Chair, Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF)
Christian Hidén
Chair, Lantmästarförbundet
Josefine Andersen
Chair, Union for Students of Agricultural and Rural Management
Fredrik Munter
CEO, Mellanskog
Anders Hagg
Chair, Naturvetarna (union for Sweden’s professional scientists)
Anneli Gunnars
Chair, Naturbruksskolornas Förening
Pär Lärkeryd
CEO, Norra Skog
Åsa Larsson Blind
Chair, Sámiid Riikkasearvi, Sámiid Riikkasearvi, National Association of Swedish Sami
Jonas Mårtensson
Area Head, SCA Skog
Åke Barklund
Chair, Skogsakademikerna
Joel Alstergren
Chair, Forestry College Student Union (SHS)
Olivia Johansson
Chair, Forest Management Student Union
Herman Sundqvist
Director General, Swedish Forest Agency
Lena Söderström
Chair, SLU Holding
Annica Bresky
President and CEO, Stora Enso
Per Matses
Acting CEO, Sveaskog
Lotta Lyrå
President and CEO, Södra
Emma Brihall
Chair, Ultuna Student Union (ULS)
Mika Berglund
Chair, Veterinary Medicine Association
Dorit Greve
CEO, Växa Sverige