"Some injustices are invisible"
Martin meets JML* enthusiasts
At the ITM School, more than twenty people engage in gender equality, diversity and equal conditions. Martin Edin Grimheden, JMLA at the School, met Petter Lagerström at the Service Center to talk about his engagement.
Hello, Petter Lagerström; you are a caretaker at the ITM Service Center. Tell me why you are involved in the school's JML group.
"My manager asked me, and I think these questions are important. There are many invisible issues related to JML that we don't talk about. We have made great strides in gender equality, while diversity and equal treatment lag behind. For example, when it comes to accessibility, it only becomes relevant when someone has a specific need, perhaps when they are in a wheelchair. That's when we notice it, but what about differences that are not visible? Some injustices are invisible, and I think fairness is important.”
Petter, I have known you for almost 20 years, since we both lived in Nynäshamn. Whenever I meet you, you are happy and positive, helpful, and never complain. I have never heard you say anything negative about anyone. What's the secret?
"It is important to me that everyone feels comfortable and not dismissed. It's a matter of fairness for me that everyone here should be included in all contexts. Those who deviate have to work hard to be included, and we need to make more effort in that regard. Maybe that's the secret."
It seems like you have a very pleasant community in the Service center group. What tips do you have for other groups at KTH?”
"It's important to meet in person. For example, we sometimes have breakfast together. We have a strong culture of helping each other."
Interviewed by: Martin Edin Grimheden
*JML is a KTH concept that stands for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal opportunities. More about the JML work at the ITM School