Discrimination

Pamphlet with the text "Dina rättigheter"

Discrimination is treating someone worse because of, for example, their sex/gender or skin colour. Discrimination is forbidden in Sweden, and there is a law about it, the Discrimination Act.

What’s in the discrimination act?

The Discrimination Act protects individuals who are dependent on other people or organisations. For example, it covers students in school, workers at their workplace, people looking for housing and for patients in the healthcare system. The Act says that it’s discrimination to be treated worse than others based on any of these reasons:

  • Sex/gender

  • gender identity or expression (for instance if you don’t look or feel like the gender everyone else expects you to have)

  • age

  • sexual orientation

  • religion or belief

  • being differently abled

  • ethnicity (like which country you come from or what skin colour you have)

What should I do if I’ve been discriminated against?

Nobody has a right to treat you badly because of who you are, and it’s never your fault if you’re discriminated against. Your school or workplace has to make sure that everyone is treated equally, and has the same opportunities and responsibilities. Your school or workplace also has to have a plan for investigating what has happened, support and help you if you have been discriminated against. If you are in school, you can start by talking to a teacher or someone who works at the school whom you trust. If you’re working, start by talking to your boss or your workplace’s safety representative (skyddsombud).

If you don’t get help from your school or workplace, or if you’ve been discriminated against somewhere else, you can turn to the Equality Ombudsman. It’s the government department responsible for controlling that the discrimination act is enforced. (Link: https://www.do.se)

Being discriminated against can trigger many difficult and unpleasant emotions. It’s a good idea to let someone know if you’ve been discriminated against, not only because it can help you process and handle your emotions, they can also help you do something about the situation. You’re always welcome to contact a support group to talk to someone who listens and believes you. You can also tell a friend or an adult that you trust.

Text by Line Janson, Förenade tjej-, trans- och ungdomsjourer

Translated by Dannie Milve, Förenade tjej-, trans- och ungdomsjourer