Gender Equality and Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity is an umbrella term that is very much in line with the central government’s principle on basic values – that being respect for everyone's equal worth, freedom and dignity. There are also laws and other regulations in place that support this principle. Equal treatment, gender equality, diversity and accessibility are examples of different perspectives in the work in this area, which encompasses both students and employees.

One of the University's eight Sustainable Development Goals addresses this subject. Our overall goal for 2021-2026 is as follows:

"Dalarna University must be an equal, inclusive, accessible and responsible university, where everyone has the same rights and opportunities to have power and influence. DU must ensure an environment free from discrimination against individuals or activities, and we must offer support and provide what is needed for students to succeed in their studies."

Active Measures Against Discrimination

As both an employer and education provider , Dalarna University must actively promote equal rights and opportunity while also preventing employees and students from being subject to discrimination, harassment or other forms of victimisation.

Equality and Gender Equality Integration (Gender Mainstreaming)

Sweden has set a gender equality policy goal that means that men and women are to have the same power and opportunity to shape society and their own lives. There can be no gender-related differences in terms of employees' work conditions, salaries, influence, career opportunities and opportunity to combine a professional career with home and family. All students must have the same rights, obligations and opportunities at Dalarna University, regardless of gender.

Broader Recruitment and Widening Participation

Dalarna University intends to increase the proportion of students in all those categories that can be considered to be underrepresented in the student population. The University also wants to make it possible for everyone who has the ambition to do so to pursue higher education. In particular, we want to support those students who would otherwise have difficulty commencing and completing higher education.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a matter of ensuring that everyone should be able to study at Dalarna University, visit the University and work at the University. This does not only require that our premises be accessible; it also requires that our information, for example, is accessible.