Who are we?

The International Women’s Organisation in Malmö is a place where every woman has a voice and a story to share. We offer study groups, tailored projects for specific communities, and an inclusive, welcoming environment just for you. Together, we make a difference.

Here you can learn about our core values, vision, and history. Further down, you will find information about our staff and board members.

Core values

 

Women's rights

The organization contributes to strengthening women's ability to demand their human rights. IKF promotes women's empowerment.

 

Equality

The organization strives to create conditions where women and men have equal rights, obligations and opportunities in all areas. It also means that you have the opportunity to influence your life and should not be treated differently because of your gender.

 

Mutual integration

IKF's vision is a world where gender equality and women's rights are strengthened, where national and global integration contributes to people taking responsibility and showing mutual respect and solidarity.

Vision & mission
The vision of the International Women’s Organisation in Malmö is a just and equal world where everyone takes shared responsibility, shows mutual respect, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our history
he International Women’s Organisation of Malmö was founded in 1970 by women from the former Yugoslavia and Swedish women working at Kockums. Together, they created a platform for newly arrived women who needed support learning Swedish, understanding Swedish society, and building connections with locals. When it became clear that their stay in Sweden would be longer than expected, the need for a supportive community to empower and guide these women in their new lives grew.

What started as informal gatherings quickly evolved into regular study groups. Here, topics such as belonging, identity, democracy, and gender equality were discussed - issues that continue to shape our work to this day.

Sisterhood became our driving force. We discovered not only its power but also the responsibility it carries: to be a supportive sister to all women arriving in Sweden, regardless of background, nationality, or circumstances. This spirit continues to guide everything we do.

Welcome to IKF Malmö - a place where women support women to grow and thrive together.
AWARDS
Over the years, IKF Malmö has been recognized multiple times for its significant contributions. During the past decade, the organisation and its leaders have received several prestigious awards and acknowledgments:
  • 2025 - IKF Malmö was accredited by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), a quality certification demonstrating the organization’s capacity to work strategically with international exchanges. This accreditation also facilitates easier access to project funding within Erasmus+.
  • 2024 - Nominated for the Diversity Index Award in the Gender category.
  • 2024 - Awarded “Organisation Initiative of the Year 2023” by Malmö Ideella.
  • Since 2022 – Tatjana Ristovski, Executive Director of IKF Malmö, appointed as Erasmus+ Ambassador by UHR.
  • 2020 - Tatjana Ristovski and IKF Malmö named “Malmö Ambassador of the Year” by Malmö’s City Executive Committee.
  • 2018 - IKF Malmö honored as “Organisation of the Year” by Malmö Ideella.

AGENDA 2030

 

IKF MALMÖ x AGENDA 2030

Here you can learn more about how IKF Malmö contributes to achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. Through our long-term commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and participation, we help build the foundation for a more sustainable society - socially, economically, and environmentally.

Learn More  

THE TEAM

Tatjana Ristovski

Director

Kajsa Huss Apetor

Business developer

Linn Cardell

Communicator

Zainab Alsaadi

Participant coordinator

Paraskevi Devreli

Marketing & social media

Iulia Halangescu

Coordinator - international projects

Daniela Petrushevska

Project Manager - International Projects

Monica Hallworth

Project Manager - Framtiden Tillhör Alla

Mera Kalac

Study group leader

Mone Juniku

Study group leader

Suzana Trajkovska

Study group leader

THE BOARD
Chairwoman
Iva Parizkova Ryggeståhl

Board Members
Mia Swärdh
Douha Kermani
Baftije Mehmedi

Alternate Members
Elisabeth Brevenson
Nade Dukleska
Anna-Karin Herbert
Thank you for supporting us!
At IKF Malmö, women from all over the world come together. Some join us to find their path into Swedish society or the job market, while others seek a sense of belonging, to share experiences, and build friendships. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference - creating opportunities for community, empowerment, and a brighter future for women in Malmö. You are warmly welcome to become a member or make a donation!

International donations:
IBAN: SE4795000099602605309265
BIC: NDEASESS