Last week, we had the opportunity to attend an inspiring event with Henriette Laursen, Director of KVINFO – Denmark’s leading knowledge centre for gender, equality, and diversity. It was truly a “food for thought” moment, filled with honest reflections, powerful insights, and personal stories that sparked meaningful conversations about leadership, equality, and the kind of society we want to build. The audience brought together perspectives from around the world – including Brazil, Denmark, India, Peru, Kenya, Tanzania, Ukraine, the USA, Japan, and Ghana.
Henriette took us through her remarkable journey – not only as a professional, but also as a mother, a lawyer, and a woman navigating leadership roles across various sectors. Her career path is both impressive and deeply meaningful. She studied law at Aarhus University from 1987 to 1993 and then worked as a lawyer until 1998.
That same year, she became CEO of the AIDS Foundation (AIDS-Fondet), where she dedicated herself to supporting those most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and ensuring their voices were heard in shaping prevention and treatment strategies.
From 2005 to 2007, she served as an international adviser for Danida in Vietnam – a role that added a valuable global perspective to her work. She returned to lead the AIDS Foundation once more until 2014, before taking on the role of Secretary General of DUF – The Danish Youth Council, where she championed stronger youth engagement in democracy and civil society.
Since 2017, Henriette has been at the helm of KVINFO, advancing vital conversations and initiatives around gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in Denmark.
What stood out most during her talk were the deeply personal reflections. Henriette spoke candidly about the ongoing challenge of balancing a demanding career with family life. She highlighted the importance of intersectionality in feminism – acknowledging that true equality must include diverse perspectives and lived experiences. She reminded us that the journey towards equality isn’t a one-time effort, but a continuous process of learning, listening, and engaging.
Her words were a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles or long CVs. It’s about having a clear vision, showing compassion, and the courage to stand up for what truly matters – even when it’s difficult. We left the event inspired, thoughtful, and energised – reminded of the power each of us holds to help shape a more equal and inclusive world.
Written by: Naoka Omori, Intern at Crossing Borders
