Wahl receives Equality Award
Anna Wahl, Professor of Gender, Organization and Management, who is awarded the President’s Equality and Diversity Prize 2025. How does it feel?
"I am pleased that my efforts in the field have been appreciated," says Wahl.
You were Vice President responsible for core values and gender equality issues at KTH from 2017–22. How do you think that shaped the way these issues are viewed at KTH?
"I believe that more people today understand that it is important to work with structural change, and that organization and leadership are central."
Can you mention some important qualities of those who drive change in these areas?
"I’m not sure I’d call them qualities; it probably varies. Being persistent is good. Beyond that, it’s important to have knowledge both about the problem (gender inequality) and about how change can be achieved."
Important conditions within the organization for success?
"Clear leadership with demands and follow-up, and resources in the form of expertise and funding."
How does one best make use of / continue working with the change you have helped bring about, which is also highlighted in the motivation for the award?
"At KTH, Anna has been a strong and courageous voice for change. As Vice President for Gender Equality and Core Values, she led important work that strengthened KTH’s culture and created greater awareness, participation and respect within the organization.” (From the motivation)
"By continuing to have a solid organizational structure for the work and by continuously working to increase awareness and knowledge. "
The next step for KTH?
"It is good to continue integrating gender equality into undergraduate education, developing conscious leadership, and fostering a more gender-equal academic culture. But there is also a risk in immediately assuming that the task is to take the next step, rather than maintaining and securing what has already been started. "
Text: Jill Klackenberg (jillk@kth.se)
Photo: Fredrik Persson