Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See the Conversations with History Blog See a webcast of this interview: Gradin

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Archival photos are courtesy of Anita Gradin.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is Ambassador Anita Gradin, who was a member of the Swedish Parliament for twenty-four years, a cabinet minister for nine years, and Swedish Minister of Trade and Minister on Immigration and Gender Issues. Ambassador Gradin was the first Swedish commissioner to the European Union. She also served as ambassador to Austria and Slovenia. She is a former President of Socialists International Women, a leader of the women's movement in Sweden, and a former Vice Chair of the Swedish Federation of Social Democratic Women.

1. Background ... influence of grandmother ... parents ... refugee Finnish children in Sweden ... understanding World War II ... education
2. Politics ... journalist ... women's rights and feminism ... flower power ... tradition of youth in politics ... political qualities
3. Women's Issues ... Swedish tradition of women in politics ... obstacles to women in politics ... public education ... new perceptions to old problems ... support for men ... plight of women in former communist countries ... setting the agenda
4. Conclusion ... lessons learned ... advice for young women

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