Margot Wallström Critiques Swedish Government's Women's Rights Approach Amid Online Sex Trade Concerns

Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström has openly criticized the current government for what she sees as a superficial commitment to women's rights, accusing them of using gender equality rhetoric primarily to attract female voters before elections. Wallström pointed to significant budget cuts in international support for women's rights, such as the reduction in funding for UN Women from 112.5 million kronor in 2023 to 67.5 million kronor in 2024, only partially restored in 2025 due to Sweden's chairmanship of the organization. She also emphasized the government's insufficient support for women's rights in critical regions like Iran and Afghanistan.

In response, ministers Maria Malmer Stenergard and Elisabeth Svantesson defended the government's efforts, asserting Sweden's global leadership in gender equality and highlighting the emphasis on results-driven, efficient funding that benefits women’s safety and economic independence domestically.

Adding to the complexity of women’s rights in Sweden, a recent report by the Swedish Gender Equality Agency revealed that sex work has largely migrated online. Lisa Kaati, an associate professor at Stockholm University, described the alarming range of services offered online, including unprotected strangulation sex and 'girlfriend experience' services. This migration raises significant concerns about the safety and exploitation of vulnerable women in the sex trade.

Together, these perspectives illuminate ongoing challenges and critical debates within Sweden over the government's strategies toward advancing genuine women's rights and addressing emerging issues such as online sex work, underscoring the need for more comprehensive, effective policies.