In April, it was announced that Tommy Boustedt will step down as secretary general of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, in the wake of a dark year for the union. Among other things, Swedish hockey has been shaken by a striking women's team, a prosecution against a person with links to the union for sexual harassment and allegations of wage discrimination at the union's office.
But when the application period for the job as new secretary general, the union's chairman Anders Larsson can see that the interest in the job has been great.
- It looks very good so far. I can note that the interest in working for Swedish ice hockey is great, many have applied and shown interest, so it looks good, says Larsson, and explains that there is a great variation in the applicants' background:
- It's a spread, and both men and women above all. It's fun to see that many women are clearly and clearly interested in working in our business.
How many women have they applied for?
- I do not have the exact number, but it is clearly more than a handful.
"Competence absolutely crucial"In the past year, there have been several dark headlines concerning gender equality around the union. But that does not mean that the union's goal now is to hire a woman.
- As far as the Secretary-General is concerned, the competence is absolutely crucial - which person is most suitable? Whether it is a man or woman or what you have for background does not matter, says Larsson, and continues:
- But with that said, it is very important that it is a person who lives and is our values and stands for it, because we have a journey to make in the future where equality will be a very important part.
- So the future secretary general must bring it. Then whether it is a man or woman does not matter.
Anders Larsson hopes they can present a new secretary general in the middle of the summer.