Her name, titles and family history aren't nearly as interesting as her personal story, her energy, and her gracious demeanor. When she met us in the lobby of the Parliament building, it took me a few minutes to realize that it was her. She simply introduced herself as "Walburga" (her first name) and ushered us upstairs to a meeting room, where she offered us coffee.
Prior to moving to Sweden (she married a Swede), Ms. Habsburg Douglas was a member of the European Parliament. She supported the formation of the EU because of her belief that it was critical to peace in Europe. She moved to Sweden after she married a Swede, and learned that the Swedish had a different perspective on the essential nature of an integrated Europe.
Unlike Austria, Sweden wasn't embroiled in either World War or the Cold War. The nation remained unaligned, maintaining relationships with all of the players. Even before the EU, Sweden enjoyed peace.
Walburga originally wanted to serve as a Swedish delegate to the EU but that didn't work out. Instead, she decided that if she was elected to the Swedish Parliament, she would be in a unique position to help lead Sweden to join the EU. Her extensive contacts and relationships with other nations make her a natural expert in foreign policy, and that is where she focuses most of her efforts. During our time with her we discussed the Middle East, Libya, and Sweden't Foreign Policy Statement of 2010. She also puts energy into encouraging women to run for office.
An astounding 48% of the members of the Swedish Parliament are women. (Only 18% of Oregon's Legislature is female, and less than a quarter of the US Congressional seats are held by women.) Many of the Swedish MPs are young women (under 35) with young children at home--- this is the exception in both Oregon and the US. Because Sweden has liberal policies that support working families, it is expected that women will return to the workforce around the time their children turn 14 months old. As a result, Swedes tend to believe that "the more women the better" when it comes to politics.
Unfortunately, this enthusiasm does not transfer over to the corporate world. Women in Sweden still earn less than men, and are very underrepresented as CEOs and members of the boards of the nation's most important businesses. This has led to a new national debate in Sweden about whether the Parliament should require quotas for women's representation in the business world.
We talked a little bit about politics and elections. Elections are publicly funded, and Walberga said a campaign typically costs the equivalent of $2000. (Yep. That's Two Thousand). She represents about 80,000 constituents. She likes to go door to door during campaigns (like most candidates, she didn't initially love it), and has now taken to doorknocking even outside of campaign season. She talked about how important it is to hear directly from people about what they need and what they are thinking. She talked a bit about the challenges of engaging the general public in discussions about foreign policy.
She spoke eagerly about a new Swedish employment initiative which aims to put hundreds of Swedes with severe disabilities into paid work situations each month. Sweden also has largely inclusive schools, and has no institutions for people with intellectual disability. In terms of the community inclusion movement, Sweden is really a world leader. I asked her what caused this, and her answer surprised me.
She said Sweden is a small nation, and it needs ALL of its people-- including those with disabilities-- in order to work. She said inclusion in school started as a political movement that turned out to be good for everyone. She said that it simply doesn't make sense to isolate people, or keep them apart.
One more surprising tidbit from our conversation--- Sweden hosts more Iraqi refugees in one city than live in the entirety of the United States.
As we wrapped up our discussion, Walburga stood and helped us clear the dishes. It was at this point that I recognized she was wearing jeans and ballet flats. (To appreciate this reference, you really have to read this Oregonian article about women in Oregon politics and my shoes!)
Just goes to show, you can't judge the power, effectiveness or efficiency of a woman by her shoes! (And a note to my kids: Even those called "Princess" or "MP" happily help clear the table!)
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