The worlds’ first MeToo-statue, a museum that changes perspectives and surroundings for safety and equality. For decades equality has had a central role in the development of Umeå. Here are some tips on how you can discover the city in new ways.
The worlds' first MeToo-statue
The artwork "Listen" is located in Rådhustorget (town square) in Umeå. The red feline with powerful muscles and golden gape represents the standpoint against sexual harassment and power abuse.
Read more about Listen here
A museum that changes perspectives
In Umeås' cultural center Väven lies Kvinnohistoriskt Museum (muesum of womens' history) - the first one in Sweden! In exhibitions of our past, present and future, the museum puts women in the center of narrative. Since opening in 2014, womens' history as an area of interest have grown tremendously. For example, new literature, womens' history themed tours, the magazine Historiskan and Stockholms Kvinnohistoriska (Stockholms' museum of womens' history), just to name a few.
Read more about Kvinnohistoriskt Museum here
Frizon - an equal place to meet
Frizon (Free zone) is one of Swedens' first public outdoor environments fully focused on young girls' needs to take their places in public areas. Through dialogues between young girls' in Umeå and the municipality, ideas for design have resulted in an equal and inviting place for meetings and conversations.
Read more about Frizon here
A display for equal and inequal
Gendered Landscape exhibits Umeå as a city with good equality examples as well as it enlightens current inequality challenges. What started as a physical tour around the city, now also can be seen digitally through 360°-film clips. Experience the places in Umeå either by visiting them in person or through the website and discover the on-going work towards a more equal society.
Read more about and take the tour here
A tunnel for safety and equality
For a great example of how equality work is combined with city planning, visit Stationstunneln. Besides being one of the stops on Gendered Landscape, the tunnel is a place where architecture, art and safe surroundings mix. Stationstunneln lies underneath the train station, links the district of Haga with central Umeå and, at the same time, is a tribute to authoress Sara Lidman.
Read more about Stationstunneln här