IKF MALMÖ SINCE 1970

The International Women's Association in Malmö (IKF Malmö) is a politically and religiously independent non-profit association that has acted as a meeting place and platform for equality, democracy and social inclusion of foreign-born women in the Öresund region since 1970. The International Women's Association in Malmö is the forerunner of other International Women's Associations in Sweden and co-creator of Internationella Kvinnoförbundet. Within our organization, both board and staff has a broad academic competence. We have an age range of 25–64 years and together we speak 14 languages in addition to the Swedish language.


IKF functions as a democratic and dynamic meeting place with an extensive core activity in the form of study circles in public education activities. IKF's strengths, in addition to the long experience of working with the inclusion of foreign-born women in Swedish society, are the operational breadth of working with individuals with different conditions. We work with different tools and projects that are adapted to each target group.

A brief historical overview

 The International Women's Association in Malmö was started in 1970 on the initiative of a group of women from the former Yugoslavia together with Swedish women who worked at Kockums in Malmö. 

1970

 The association arose from a need among the newly arrived women to learn the language, understand the Swedish society and establish relationships with Swedes because after a couple of years it was realized that the stay in Sweden would be much longer than originally thought. 

 Soon the meetings developed into continuous study circles where questions about belonging/identity, democracy and gender equality was as a common red thread through the activities. 

1970-1980

 They realized the power of sisterhood but also the responsibility you have as a sister towards all women who come to Sweden regardless of their background, nationality and conditions. 

 IQ-net is started - a network for female entrepreneurs with foreign background. 

1990-2000

 International projects starts and competence forums for women entrepreneurs are developed. 

2000-2010

 Over the years, IKF Malmö has run several hundred projects funded by: Nordiska Rådet, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Allmänna Arvsfonden, the City of Malmö, the region of Skåne, Gender Equality Agency, the European Social Fund, UHR, MUCF, Vinnova, the Swedish Institute among others. 

 IKF is growing, both within projects and the circles. Massive Entertainment draws attention to IKF Malmö with prize money. Between 2015-2020, there is a strong focus on newly arrived women. 

2010-2020

 IKF Malmö wins non-profit association of the year 2018 with the motivation: "They have been active in Malmö since 1970 with the task of working for gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Here women can meet, educate and exchange knowledge and experience. The members are constantly increasing and in recent years, the association has run several successful projects, including with the City of Malmö, the EU and Allmänna Arvsfonden. They are an established association in Malmö that is constantly evolving." 

2019

 Director Tatjana Ristovski wins Malmö Ambassador of the Year at Malmö Business Gala 2021. Jury motivation: "Malmö Ambassador of the Year goes to a business manager, enthusiast and network of rank, and a women's association that sprang from the shipyard of Kockums that supported hundreds of women to independence. By focusing on language, contacts and entrepreneurship, they guide women with an immigrant background to Malmö's business life. In 2020, in the midst of a burning pandemic, they sewed protective coats for the city's employees and celebrated their 50th anniversary. This year, they deserve to be praised for their long and committed work for women's entrepreneurship and autonomy in Malmö. This year's Malmö Ambassador goes to Tatjana Ristovski and the International Women's Association in Malmö." 

2021
  

Vision & Values

Vision

Women's rights

The organization contributes to strengthening women's ability to demand their human rights. IKF promotes women's empowerment.

Equality

The organization strives to create conditions where women and men have equal rights, obligations and opportunities in all areas. It also means that you have the opportunity to influence your life and should not be treated differently because of your gender.

Mutual Integration

IKF's vision is a world where gender equality and women's rights are strengthened, where national and global integration contributes to people taking responsibility and showing mutual respect and solidarity.