Gudrun Schyman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gudrun Schyman
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Gudrun Schyman in August 2014
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| Leader of Feminist Initiative | |
| In office 6 March 2013 – 28 october 2018 Serving with Sissela Nordling Blanco (since 2011)
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| Leader of the Swedish Left Party | |
| In office 1993–2003 |
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| Preceded by | Lars Werner |
| Succeeded by | Ulla Hoffmann (Interim) |
| Member of the Riksdag | |
| In office 3 October 1988 – 5 September 1997 |
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| In office 8 October 1997 – 2 October 2006 |
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| Constituency | Stockholm County |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gerd Gudrun Maria Schyman
9 June 1948 Täby, Sweden |
| Political party | Climate Alliance |
| Other political affiliations |
Left Party (until 2004) Feminist Initiative (2005–2022) |
| Alma mater | Socialhögskolan i Stockholm |
| Profession | Politician |
Gerd Gudrun Maria Schyman (born 9 June 1948) is a well-known Swedish politician. She was the leader of the Left Party from 1993 to 2003. After leaving the Left Party, she focused on her work for women's rights. In 2005, she helped start a new political party called Feminist Initiative. She was a spokesperson for this party for many years.
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Leader of the Left Party
In 1993, Gudrun Schyman became the leader of the Left Party. During her time as leader, her party became much more popular. The number of people representing the party in the Swedish parliament, called the Riksdag, more than doubled.
Focus on Equality
While she was the party leader, the Left Party decided that feminism would be a key part of their ideas. Feminism is the belief that all people should have equal rights and opportunities, no matter their gender.
In 2002, Schyman gave a speech about how women are treated unfairly. She talked about how this unfair treatment happens in different ways around the world. She said that the basic problem is the same everywhere.
Supporting Women's Shelters
In 2004, Schyman and other members of the Left Party suggested an idea to the Riksdag. They wanted to figure out how much violence against women costs the country. They also asked the government to give money to women's shelters. These shelters are safe places for women and children who have experienced violence. This idea got a lot of attention.
Founder of the Feminist Initiative
Gudrun Schyman left the Left Party in 2004. In 2005, she helped create a new political group called Feminist Initiative (Fi). This group decided to take part in the national elections.
Election Campaigns
In 2006, famous actress Jane Fonda supported Feminist Initiative during their election campaign. However, the party did not get enough votes to enter the parliament that year. To get seats in the Swedish parliament, a party usually needs at least 4% of the votes.
In 2010, Schyman made a memorable protest against unequal pay in Sweden. This action brought a lot of attention to Feminist Initiative.
Success in Europe
The 2014 European Parliament election in Sweden was the most successful election for Feminist Initiative. The party received 5.3% of the votes. This meant that Soraya Post became a member of the European Parliament. In the Swedish general election later that year, Feminist Initiative got 3.1% of the votes. Even though this was not enough to get seats in the Riksdag, it made them the most popular party outside of parliament.
