Child empowerment at the heart of this year's children's rights conference
child participation and inclusion were the focus ofthis year’s children’s rightsconference in Jönköping, which was organized by, among others, the countyandand Erikshjälpen.
- When the new Social Services Act comes into force next year, it will be crucial that we intensify work on preventive interventions for children and young people, said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall. For this we neede need a strong civil society that can build bridges and contribute with its resources and knowledge.
During the conference on children’s rights at Jönköping University, approximately 300 participants from schools, social services, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector gathered to discuss how child participation can be strengthened. Through lectures and panel discussions, participants explored how adults can become better at including children in important decisions.
From left: Hanna Löfstrand, Abdifatah Mustafe, Houler Akhwarzi and Mattias Ingeson.
From left: Hanna Löfstrand, Abdifatah Mustafe, Houler Akhwarzi and Mattias Ingeson.
- "Every day, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad meets committed children and young people who want to be involved in the development of society," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen. "But society needs to create structures where children's voices are taken seriously and have a real impact.
In one of the panel discussions, socialMinister of SocialCamilla Waltersson Grönvall, Minister of Social Affairs, Police Chief Carin Götblad, and Jönköping County Governor Brittis Benzler. They shared their perspectives onchild participation and were interviewed by young people fromVetlanda the Youth Council and Underground Råslätt.
- As a as a minister, it is obviously important to listen to children's voices if you are to drive credible changee, said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.
Listening to children's voices is obviously important to drive credible change.
From left: Brittis Benzler, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall and Mattias Ingeson.
From left: Brittis Benzler, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall and Mattias Ingeson.
The day included lectures and seminars on children's rights and how adults can work to ensure that children are heard and taken seriously in decisions that affect their daily lives. By bringing together experts, politicians, civil servants and young people, the conference is an important platform for promoting children's rights work both in the region and nationally.
The conference was organized by the Children’s Rights Focus Group in Jönköping County, in collaboration with Save the Children, RF-Sisu, Erikshjälpen, the Women’s and Girls’ Crisis Center, Share Music & Performing Arts, Jönköping County Region, Municipal Development, the University of Jönköping , the Municipality of Jönköping, the Municipality of Vetlanda , and the Jönköping County Administrative Board.
Published: 22 November 2024
Listening 