Violence in focus at this year's Astrid Janzon Symposium

On 7 November, researchers, students, and professionals gathered at Jönköping University for the annual Astrid Janzon Symposium, themed Domestic violence from a global perspective. The day offered insightful lectures, engaging panel discussions, and meaningful encounters between participants from various areas of healthcare and academia.

The symposium is held in memory of Astrid Janzon, a pioneer in Swedish nursing education. Its purpose is not only to honour her groundbreaking contributions, but also to promote research and dialogue about the future of healthcare – how we can continue to advance health, prevent illness, and uphold the humanistic values that form the foundation of compassionate care.

Gunilla Björling, professor at the School of Health and Welfare at JU, opened the day by emphasizing the importance of continuing Astrid Janzon’s legacy:

“We continue her work. We build on her belief in international collaboration, in research and education, and in compassionate care.”

A global issue with local impact

Throughout the day, several lectures explored domestic violence from different perspectives. This year’s Astrid Janzon keynote speaker was Jane Rogathi, PhD and Head of the School of Nursing at KCMC University in Tanzania. She spoke about the prevalence of domestic violence, its societal development both locally and globally, and how education can help address these challenges.

“We see that one in three women in Tanzania experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. But this is not an isolated issue – it’s a global problem, and that’s why we need to talk about it,” said Jane Rogathi.

Participants also had the opportunity to network over coffee and lunch, creating space for deeper conversations and new connections.

Scholarships for research in healthcare

In the afternoon, last year’s scholarship recipients Emilie Gripewall and Enna Sengogka shared reflections on their past year. Two new doctoral students were awarded the Astrid Janzon Scholarship, each receiving SEK 75,000 for projects that combine scientific quality with a strong focus on human health and rights:

• Matilda Holmbom, Linköping University
  Project: The situation of family members of people with heart disease – focusing on family life, health, caregiving preparedness, and support needs.
  Motivation: The project has significant clinical and societal relevance and contributes to improved family-centered care in chronic illness.
• Merja Hietanen, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  Project: Participation of preschool-aged children in healthcare – development of a digital self-assessment tool (PREM).
  Motivation: The study strengthens children’s right to participation in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and contributes to more child-centered care.