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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad, together with Swedish company Ericsson and in collaboration with Swedish Business Council in Pakistan, hosted a special edition of “Guy Talk” at the Swedish Residence to mark International Men’s Day 2025 and to highlight the start of 16 Day’s of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
Originally launched in Pakistan in 2023, Guy Talk is an Embassy-led initiative that provides a space for men to engage in honest discussions about issues often left unspoken, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
By fostering honest conversations between men and encouraging self-reflection about societal expectations and norms of masculinity, the initiative strives to challenge and dismantle harmful gender stereotypes.
This time the format has been brought into a corporate setting, with the active participation of Swedish companies and the aim to promote healthier conversations at the workplace and support efforts to build respectful and inclusive company environments.
The event, hosted at the Swedish Residence, featured a panel discussion moderated by Usman Rizwan from Ericsson, with panelists representing leading Swedish companies in Pakistan including Atlas Copco, Ericsson, Hitachi Energy, IKEA, Talkpool and Tetra Pak. Panelists explored and discussed topics around how men’s openness and self-awareness can strengthen workplace culture, build empathy, and promote equality.
This edition of Guy Talk brought together representatives from a number of Swedish companies, Pakistani stakeholders, international partners, civil society, and development organizations for an open conversation on positive masculinity, collegiality, fatherhood, friendship, vulnerability, and workplace equality.
Opening the event, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan Alex Berg von Linde said, “Guy Talk is an opportunity to pause and reflect about the roles men play in everyday life as fathers, colleagues, leaders, and friends. Many of these conversations are not easy, but that is why they matter. Gender equality in business requires active, conscious works and I am happy that Swedish companies want to engage in Guy Talk. These conversations can help workplaces become more equal, more respectful – and ultimately stronger.”
Aamir Ahsan Khan, CEO and President of Ericsson Pakistan shared, “Ericsson is proud to co-host this year’s Guy Talk event. Positive masculinity is not only a social topic, but also an important element of a thriving workplace. When we encourage men to talk openly about fatherhood, stress, friendship, and equality, we contribute to healthier teams and stronger companies. We value our collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish business community in Pakistan as we carry this meaningful conversation forward.”
Geir Thomas Tonstol, Director, ILO Country Office for Pakistan, commended the initiative’s alignment with the ILO’s efforts to promote inclusive and decent workplaces and presented the closing remarks of the event.
The event concluded with networking and a collective message of support for more inclusive and respectful workplaces across Pakistan.