Åsa Petersen to speak at TEDxKiruna on 13 March 2014

TEDxKiruna proudly presents Åsa Petersen as a speaker at TEDxKiruna 13 March 2014. 

Åsa Petersen is one of Sweden's best-known social commentators and feminists. With her sharp pen and dedication against injustice, she works to promote tolerance and openness. We spoke with Åsa Petersen about the shared responsibility to think and act beyond the norm. 


The pen and the language is your weapon in the battle against inequality, racism and homophobia. What is your driving force? ”I want to achieve a society where everyone, you and me, can be ourselves and be respected for the way we live our lives.”

How tolerant is the Swedish norm climate 2014?
”I would say it’s increasingly tolerant in some ways and decreasingly tolerant in other ways. The fight for human rights is growing amongst people. But we have a rascist party in our parliament and gender inequality is still a part of our society.”

How do you see the future of Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland in terms of norms and the development of increased tolerance?
”I feel there’s a lot to do. The image of Norrbotten is a white, heterosexual man. But many people wants to change this image, to make Norrbotten a more welcoming and open region.”

What do you think increased tolerance means for the future in Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland?
”It would mean that more people wants to live and fulfill their dreams here.”

What can all of us individuals do to increase tolerance in the society?
”Be ourselves, build our self respect, and at the same time respect others for who they are.”

Åsa Petersen will be speaking at TEDxKiruna on March 13th 2014. For more information visit www.tedxkiruna.com and welcome to join us!