Christina, you work as a project manager for Styrelselistan at the West Swedish Chamber of Commerce, with the goal of creating more gender-equal boards. Why is this an important issue?

Currently, only 19 percent of board members in western Sweden are women, which is far too few. We started Styrelselistan to get more women into boardrooms and put the issue on the agenda. As a chamber of commerce, we work for modern and competitive companies in our region, and gender equality is an important part of that.
Research shows that gender equality leads to increased profitability and innovation. A board needs many different perspectives, which requires a mix of experiences and skills. Additionally, it is an important issue for attracting employees, customers, and investors.

How does Styrelselistan work?
Styrelselistan is run in collaboration with a number of different companies to highlight the importance of gender-equal boards, create public opinion, and bring about change. But it is also a digital platform where we currently present over 100 qualified board members with expertise in everything from business development to digitalization and sustainability, and where owners can turn when appointing new board members. In this way, we can be involved and influence both in the short and long term.

What is the biggest challenge in bringing about change?
The biggest challenge going forward is reaching out to owners and nomination committees, to get more people to realize the importance of active board work and that women are needed on their boards. We know that the majority of those who appoint board members are men, and they are more likely to choose other men from their own networks when looking for new board members. But it is not always conscious; many want more women on the board but do not know where to find them. That is why we need to make all the women who are out there visible.

What drives you in your work?
I have always wanted to make a real difference. At the West Swedish Chamber of Commerce, you really get the chance to do just that. It is fantastic to work to make western Sweden a better place to live. Also, gender equality is personally a matter close to my heart. I want my children, Alice and James, to have the same opportunities when it is time for them to enter the workforce.