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Home , Maternity package, Riitta Uosukainen, Women in Finland

GENDER Did you know? In , families are provided with support to combine work EQUALITY and family life. Children are guaranteed good preconditions with a comprehensive child health care system and the right to day care, school health care and school lunches. IN FINLAND The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors. E-mail: [email protected] For free reference use. Freedom of choice enhances quality of life Equality brings prosperity Content

Finland has led the way in gender to promote equality in schools and 04 FORERUNNERS equality with other Nordic countries for workplaces. While many glass ceilings 08 FAMILY STORIES decades and is today one of the most have been broken, there is still a lot to do 16 EQUALITY IN NUMBERS equal countries in the world. Various and accomplish in the field of equality. 18 INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN high international rankings in equality for The gender pay gap still exists and men 26 EQUAL EDUCATION Finland are no coincidence – many brave use only a fraction of parental leave. 28 EDUTECH PIONEER men and women have fought for equality Our labour market is heavily divided into 30 EQUALITY CHALLENGES in education, politics and working life. women’s and men’s occupations. 32 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION is one of the core Equality cannot be taken for granted 34 EQUALITY TODAY values of the Finnish society. There is – it can also be challenged. There is reason to believe that Finland would not still room for improvement before be one of the most advanced countries everyone has the possibility to fulfil their in the world had it not been for its strong full potential. Finland is a trusted and commitment to equality. committed partner in finding solutions to Women participate in working life on these challenges. an equal footing with men and our day care system makes it easier for parents Jukka Maarianvaara to balance work and life. Nowadays, the The Ombudsman for Equality Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, 2018. majority of university students are women. Text: Otavamedia OMA, Päivi Brink, Päivi Leinonen, Marina The number of female CEOs and board Ahlberg and Aino Krohn. members of listed companies has grown Production: Otavamedia OMA Freedom to follow Layout design: Otavamedia OMA, Linda Macken steadily for many years. Cover: Vesa Tyni. your own aspirations Finland has strong legislation to Photos: Finland Image Bank, Business Finland, Otavamedia, combat discrimination – and an obligation The Picture Collections of the Finnish Heritage Agency. Forerunners

The grand old lady of : Minna Canth First women in ne of the first authors to write in Finnish, criticised by conservatives for writing, for example, Parliament 1907 Minna Canth (1844–97) is celebrated as about adultery. Her work has, however, also been O a pioneer of women’s rights in Finland. eye opening for many readers for decades. She wrote plays, novellas and short stories portray- Canth was not only a writer. She was a n 1906, the Finnish Parliament became the ing women from versatile backgrounds. businesswoman, journalist and a of seven first in the world to allow all women to run She gave a voice to working class women children. She had her own draper’s shop in Kuopio I for office. All adult women were eligible through her work. She refused to portray poor where she lived with her family. She actively took to stand as candidates in national elections. people idealistically. She took her stylistic part in associations supporting women’s rights and Universal and equal suffrage was enacted inspiration from the realist and naturalist literary the role of the . in Finland in 1906 and the first elections for movements of her time. In her play The Labour- Minna Canth was the first in Finland to the new unicameral Parliament were held in er’s Wife (1885), she showed how an alcoholic be honoured with a flag day. On 19 March, Finland 1907. The percentage of female Members of husband’s rights over his wife and her earnings celebrates her birthday and gender equality by Parliament was greatest from 2011 to 2015, The photo shows 13 of the 19 women elected to Parliament in 1907. lead the whole family to ruin. Canth was strongly raising the Finnish flag. © The Finnish Heritage Agency when 85 women (42.5%) were elected. Photo: Photographic Studio J. Indurski / Feminist Association Unioni

IT TAKES JUST ONE BRAVE FORERUNNER. 1870 1878 1882 1895 1905 1918 1926 1927 1938 1942 Marie Rosina Heikel Emma Irene Karolina Eskelin Jenny Markelin Agnes Sjöberg Miina Sillanpää Alma Söderhjelm Eugenie Lisitzin Eeva Lindén Tschetschulin Licentiate of Medicine Åström Doctor of Medical Road and bridge con- Doctor of Veterinary Minister of the Gov- Professor Doctorate in Physics Doctorate in the Matriculation Master of Arts Science struction engineer Medicine — the first ernment, influential Finnish language examination woman in Europe trailblazer

4 Forerunners 5 6 Forerunners Astronomy Doctorate in Liisi Oterma 1955

Economics Doctorate in Vieno Rajaoja 1958

© The Finnish Heritage Agency M of Law Professor Inkeri Anttila 1961 to work asadomesticaide.In 1898,shehelped mill attheageof 12.Later, shemoved to eight siblings.She started working inacotton Finland’s first female government minister. she served asMinister of SocialAffairs, becoming position of women insociety. From 1926 to 1927, continuously supported measures to improve the to promote thesocialissues shebelieved in.She Member of Parliament, Sillanpää worked tirelessly Miina Sillanpää The first female government minister: Sillanpää’s parents were poor andshehad ment in1907. During her38years asa the first 19 women elected to Parlia iina Sillanpää (1866–1952) was among 1976 Municipal manager Sirpa Rautio - ordained aspriests women were The first 94 memory of hercontributions. values of fairness andequality. advantaged andtheelderly, motivated by her fighter for improvements to thelives of thedis to theidea.She was a determined andeffective children, overcoming long-time cultural resistance that provided shelters for singlewomen andtheir century. director in1901–apost shewould holdfor half a found theServants’ Association,taking over as 1988 Finnish flagsare hoisted on1 October in In the1930s, shehelpedstart anorganisation 1990 Minister of Defence Elisabeth Rehn

­ of Finland Director of theBank Sirkka Hämäläinen 1992

Speaker of Parliament Riitta Uosukainen 1994

© Lehtikuva ”W the Republic President of 2000 the supreme political bodyof theindigenous to beelected asPresident of theSámiParliament, reindeer herding,” Sanila-Aikioexplains. top of traditional income sources like fishingand work can generate extra income for thefamily on Nowadays, women are often educated andtheir in exchanging knowledge between generations. roles are important inmany ways, for example, can choose whatwork they want to do. Women’s for women andmen,butthesedays everyone Tiina Sanila-Aikio The first female president of theSámi : In 2015,Tiina Sanila-Aikiowas thefirst woman

we have separate work tasks the Sámiculture. Traditionally, omen andmenare equal in 2000 lieutenant Officer, senior Titta Lindqvist

work andlarge network,” Sanila-Aikiosays. of my political activity, languageskills,cultural I thinkwas elected despite thesedoubts because was talk aboutthefact thatIamayoung woman. ident of theSámiParliament inmy thirties.There thought thatIwas too young to become thePres the Sámicommunity. Nevertheless, somepeople as aSkolt Sámiteacher, Ialsoworked to benefit as arock musicianinthe Tiina SanilaBandand was fifteen years old. During my working career 21 members are women. Sámi peopleinFinland. Ten of theParliament’s 2003 Prime Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki “I have beenactive inSámipoliticssince I 2010 Church Evangelical Lutheran Bishop inthe Irja Askola

-

7 Family stories

Happy to be equal: Together for 27 years

iina Pelkonen, 62, and Jussi-Petteri and 1983 to 1991. Her two sons were born during (Pete) Nurmi, 64, have been togeth- her second marriage. T er since 1991. They decided not to get “I was just 21 when I first got married and we married since they had both been married twice got divorced as friends. I have a good relationship before. They have one adult daughter together with my second husband as well and he’s a good and Tiina has two older sons. father to our sons. We shared the childcare duties “When I was growing up, my parents were equally when the boys were small. One of the rea- both active in working life. My mother was a copy­ sons we got divorced was that he didn’t support writer and my father was a journalist. They were my idea of quitting my job to re-educate myself,” politically active and our home was always filled Tiina says. with animated discussion. Equality was something I Tiina worked as a theatre secretary before she took for granted as a child,” Pete says. had her sons, but after her maternity leave, she Tiina’s father, who was also a journalist, died decided to do media studies. when she was young. “First I worked at a local free newspaper. In “My mother was a dressmaker. She had a 1999, I started working for my current employer, strong character and my parents made their a communications agency, as a journalist and decisions together. I had a happy childhood,” Tiina sub-editor. Our boys’ day care was well organised recollects. when they were small,” Tiina says. Pete was married from 1979 to 1983 and 1987 Pete is a musician and has had various work to 1989, while Tiina was married from 1976 to 1982 assignments.

8 9 HAVING A BABY IN FINLAND MEANS...

> Maternity grant: * or a > The father can take paternity leave for 1 to 18 cash benefit of EUR 170. working days while the mother is still receiving a maternity allowance. > Maternity allowance** will continue to be paid after the child is born. > The rest of the paternity allowance can be paid after the maternity allowance and parental > Child benefit*** will be paid from the month allowance periods. “I studied music at the Oulunkylä Conserv- members and they still do gigs together. Today, following the birth of the child. atory in Helsinki. I play the guitar and I’m also a the hobby brings the couple together. > The mother and the father can take parental voice technician. I’ve worked as a musician, I build “Everyone is equal in music. You’re not a man > Maternity leave is 105 working days. leave in turns, for a maximum of two periods of guitars, I’ve taught music and sound systems in or a woman, you’re a musician,” Pete says. 12 or more days. many schools and I’ve recorded many records. My “It wasn’t like that when we were young. > The mother or the father can take parental working hours are not conventional: I often work in Female musicians were not appreciated then as leave for 158 working days after the maternity > A parent is entitled to take unpaid leave and the evenings and at night,” Pete says. much as men. But it’s better now,” Tiina says. leave. stay at home with a child until the child is three The couple have different sleeping rhythms, They agree that an equal society benefits both years old, without losing his or her job. which made their family life easier when their men and women. > The father is entitled to receive a paternity daughter was born. “I’ve always been a feminist. Equality means allowance for 54 working days during paternity “I fed our daughter with a bottle at night when that everyone can achieve personal and profes- leave. she was a baby, so Tiina could sleep. When our sional fulfilment and enjoy their career, family life daughter went to school, I was at home in the af- and hobbies,” Tiina says. ternoons and we’re still very close. I also did some “Equality makes life easier for everyone. There housework and cooked when Tiina was working,” are more than just two sexes and everybody Finland emoji #babyinabox. *a maternity package contains clothes and care supplies **the amount of the maternity or parental Pete says. should be treated the same,” Pete concludes. Finland was the first country in the allowance is based on taxable income. *** the child benefit is determined based on the number of Tiina and Pete met through their common world to have its own national emojis. children. The minimum amount for one child is EUR 94 per month. More info: www..fi hobby: music. They are part of a band that has ten toolbox.finland.fi

10 Family stories 11 Tommi Koivisto encourages Finnish fathers to take parental leave

ommi and Satu Koivisto have two chil- There were many reasons why staying home man at work who takes longer parental leave, but I dren, a six-year-old and a two-year-old with the children seemed like a good idea. encourage fathers to do so,” Tommi says. Tommi and Satu Koivisto boy. The Koivistos agreed already before “My wife wanted us to share the parental leave Tommi writes a blog about family life and shared the paid parental T leave when their children were they had any children that they would try to share as she also has a career and she wanted to return parenting, among other things. small. This allowed Tommi to parental leave as equally as possible. The state of to work. I had already worked for ten years and “I want to show the positive side of being a stay at home with the children Finland pays maternity, paternity and parental al- the timing was good for me to spend more time parent and family life. When both parents take when Satu returned to work. lowances to parents so that they can take off from with my family. The most important reason I took responsibility for the children, they have equal work to take care of babies and small children. parental leave was to form a close relationship with chances to build their careers and enjoy their “When our daughter was born, I spent the first my children,” Tommi says. hobbies and children.” three weeks at home. Before my wife returned to Most men in Finland take some paternity leave, Now that the children are bigger, Tommi takes work, I took the last weeks of my paternity leave but very few take parental leave. as much responsibility as his wife for contacting the and after she started working, I stayed at home “My family, friends, colleagues and my employ- day care and school and taking care of the chil- on parental leave for six more months. I was away ers were all very supportive of me staying home dren’s health. “We take turns fetching the children from work for more than seven months in total. with the children. I am a game producer nowadays from the day care and staying at home with them With my son, I divided the nine weeks’ paternity and for me it was very easy to transfer my respon- when they’re sick. When our children wake up in leave into four parts and then started six months’ sibilities to my colleagues. This also provided my the middle of the night, they call me. I feel that we parental leave when he was 16 months old,” Tommi colleagues and myself with opportunities to try are equal as parents and we are both close to our says. something new. I’m sure it’s difficult to be the first children,” Tommi concludes.

12 Family stories 13 RAINBOW FAMILIES ARE ACKNOWLEDGED BETTER THAN BEFORE IN THE STATUTES THAT CAME INTO EFFECT IN 2017:

• The biological father of the child has the right to paternity and parental allowances, when he is responsible for the childcare. • The law allows the female partner of the mother to take parental leave. • The partner of the mother has the right to a paternity allowance.

Home of four adults and two children www.kela.fi/web/en/rainbow-families

nna Edgren lives in one part of a surprise, but after his explanation the people were In same-sex relationships, it is common for semi-detached house with her partner full of admiration. one parent not to be around at all. Edgren’s A Mia Bäck. Anna’s friend Johan Werkelin “When children have many parents, we can family is special, since without their partners, the and his partner Peter Björkfors live in the other share responsibility and one of us always has time parents look like a normative family. At the child part of the house. Their relationship is closer than for them,” Anna says. health care clinic, they had to remind the nurses that of average neighbours, because they form a Gender roles do not determine who does what at times that they do not live together. family of four adults and two children. Anna and in the family. Changing car tyres, for example, is as Even though their everyday life works well, Johan are the biological parents of the children. much the women’s as the men’s duty. The children the society is not quite ready for norm-breaking “The children have a room in the middle of the are also expected to do various chores at home family forms yet. The most unpleasant indication house. Now that they are of school-going age, regardless of their gender. Sometimes, Edgren of this was when the first child was born and they move quite independently from one part of encounters people who suggest that the women in Johan was not granted a paternity allowance the house to the other, but as parents we have the family probably cook and wash laundry more because the parents did not live in the same agreed to take turns in being responsible for the than the men do. household. children,” Anna says. “Why on earth would I do my neighbours’ “Luckily, my employer was understanding Despite being different, attitudes towards their housework?” and I could take leave. However, I didn’t get paid family are usually positive. However, the family The children were born with the help of a for that time,” Johan says. members sometimes encounter heteronormative fertility clinic. Edgren felt that the clinic staff were In 2017, the law was amended and today the presumptions. Peter had a peculiar situation the very professional and supportive. Their friends and biological father can receive a paternity allow- first time he attended a parents’ evening at school people close to them were also delighted with their ance even if he does not live at the same address where he introduced himself by saying that he choice. as the mother. was not really anyone’s father. This was met with

14 Family stories 15 Equality in numbers

EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR PERSONS AGED 15–64 (2018/08) WOMEN’S RIGHT FINLAND 70.8% 74.4% TO VOTE 1906

26 542 WOMEN MEN MARRIAGES Facts about Finland 2017 SAME-SEX OPPOSITE-SEX NEW ZEALAND GENDER PAY GAP WOMEN: inland is one of the world’s leading countries a living. According to 2017 statistics, there are COUPLES COUPLES in fostering equality. The first steps towards 569,700 families with children in Finland. In total, 2016 1893 equality between men and women were 2,139,700 people live in a family with children, 2.1% 97.9% (difference between average F gross hourly earnings of male 84 taken already before the country’s independence. which accounts for 39% of the population. and female employees as % of CENTS Usually, the gender equality goal is associated In families with children, the most common male gross earnings) MEN: 1 EURO with the idea that both men and women should family form is a married couple with children, AUSTRALIA be able to work and have a family life. Men and which makes up 59% of families. Unmarried women have the right to enjoy and take respon- couples constitute 20% and about 9% of families 1902 sibility for taking care of children and earning with children are blended families. FIRST PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 1907

WOMEN MEN AVERAGE TIME PER DAY SPENT MINISTERS IN THE POPULATION LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH ON ROUTINE HOUSEWORK GOVERNMENT OF FINLAND preliminary figure 2018 2017 WOMEN 3 H 41 MIN IN THE 21ST CENTURY GENDER EQUALITY TOP TEN WOMEN 2,795,808 84.2 YEARS MEN 2 H 33 MIN Women Men MEN 2,723,655 BOYS 78.7 YEARS 19 181 1 Iceland 6 Nicaragua 2 Norway 7 Slovenia

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2015 3 Finland 8 Ireland WOMEN MEN 84 94 4 Rwanda 9 New Zealand 29.1 31.2 47,2% 52,8% 5 10 Philippines AVERAGE AGE OF AVERAGE AGE OF FIRST-TIME FIRST-TIME FATHERS (2016). (2016). Source: Global Gender Gap Report 2017, World Source: Economic Forum (rank out of 144 countries) Population information, source: Statistics Finland 83 117

16 17 Women at work

Inspirational , both women and men can build a career. The following pages showcase women who have found a position that suits their needs and talents.

18 19 20 Women at work OF EQUALITY. MILESTONES Health andWelfare Information, National Institute for Source: Centre for GenderEquality engaged inpaidlabour. most women of working agehave been equality between women andmen, ish welfare state hasbeenbasedon From thevery beginning,the Finn

- Minna Kastrén Motorcycle police officer attend university special permission to Women nolongerneed 1901 impossible for mebecause I’m awoman. In 2002, demand alot of physical strength. course andthetraining itselfare very tough and entrance examination for themotorcycle police in Kokkola, ontheWest Coast of Finland. The the motorcycle police exam. She lives andworks female police officers in Finlandwhohave passed are women. University College andabout30%of thestudents three-and-a-half-year education atthePolice W “I’ve never thought thatsomethingwould be Minna Kastrén, bornin1978,isone of thetwo Today, police officers receive a officers in Finlandalready in1907. omen were employed aspolice Parliament serve asMembersof stand for election and vote and therightto Women are granted the 1906 ing to thechildren’s needsduringmy work shifts.” band istheonewhocan arrange hiswork accord to stay athomewiththemwhenthey were small. says. tion, butmany others were supportive,” Kastrén doubted my abilityto passtheentrance examina on myself andittook alot of work. Somepeople to passtheexam andthecourse. It alldepended matter whetherIwas amanorwoman. Ijusthad to become amotorcycle police officer. Itdidn’t I got therare possibility to take theexamination I started to work asapolice officer, andin2016, leave after childbirth four-week maternity The firstdecree on 1910’s “Now thatthechildren are bigger, my hus She hasfour children anditfelt natural for her elections in municipal Universal suffrage 191 7 - - - and boys Act, pertaining to girls Compulsory Education 1921 Posts Eligibility inState Act onWomen’s 1926 of theirhusbands from theguardianship Wives are released 1930 means for women of poor Maternity Grants Act 1937 introduced Child benefitis 194O’s Free schoolmeals 1948

Photo Ulla Nikula 21 Deputy Mayor of Helsinki Deli owner and entrepreneur Nasima Razmyar Päivi Harttunen

asima Razmyar was born in Kabul in diversity. In the same year, she was elected as a here are more than 280,000 businesses in Harttunen has taught at the cosmetology school 1984. Her family came from Afghanistan city councillor in Helsinki. In 2011, she was elected Finland, of which about 93% employ less and done makeup at theatres and fashion shows. N to Finland as refugees in 1992. She has as a Deputy Member of the Finnish Parliament and T than 10 people. About one third of all busi- When she started her first company, her children pursued her dreams with great determination. in 2015 as a Member of Parliament. In 2017, she nesses are owned by women. One of them is Päivi were small. “I hope I can be a role model for young was elected Helsinki’s Deputy Mayor for Culture Harttunen’s Mandragora in the centre of . “Our home and my beauty salon were located immigrants, especially girls. It’s possible to achieve and Leisure. Harttunen runs a coffee, tea and chocolate in the same building, so in a sense I was always anything in Finland regardless of your gender or As the Deputy Mayor, she promotes equality deli called Mandragora with her husband. Her at home. Everything went quite smoothly with your background. Unfortunately, it is still harder in many ways. duties include mainly marketing and management. our three children. They were at the day care and for non-white girls, but I believe that attitudes are “For example, the City of Helsinki’s youth The deli is a new line of business for Harttunen, sometimes the grandparents came to help.” changing,” Razmyar says. services have made a considerable effort to pay but she has a long history as an entrepreneur. Harttunen has been active in entrepreneur Razmyar has helped immigrants through attention to gender diversity and gender equality. “When I graduated as a cosmetologist in the networks and she recommends networking to various organisations. She studied political science Girls and boys should have equal chances to at- 1980s, I immediately started a business of my own. everybody. and graduated as a community pedagogue. In tend hobbies. The city has a great responsibility to Now, running Mandragora is my main profession “We often visit each other’s companies and 2010, she was chosen as Refugee Woman of deconstruct gender norms instead of enhancing but I still work part-time in cosmetology.” exchange experiences. It’s a great way of learning the Year for her work in promoting equality and them through public services,” Razmyar concludes. In addition to running her own companies, something new.”

1949 1963 1964 1970 1972 1972 1973 1974 1975 1975 1976 1978

Maternity grants Equal pay for equal Maternity Discrimination based Comprehensive School Council for Gender Child Day Care Act Maternity allowance National Pensions Act Women can be Separate tax Parents receive are expanded to work for men and allowance for on gender is Act: all children are Equality is established for six months gives women and men appointed to nearly all assessment of the right to divide cover all women, women in public office 54 working days prohibited in working entitled to publicly equal rights to basic offices spouses parental leave regardless of life funded basic national pension between them financial standing education

22 Women at work 23 24 Women at work “M CEO. alcohol monopolycompany Alko, where shewas career. She came to Nokian Tyres from theFinnish She hasheldseatsonmany boards duringher the board of directors of thecompany for ten years. company’s CEO since 2017. Before that, shesaton billion. Hille Korhonen, bornin1961, hasbeenthe company’s turnover was approximately EUR1.6 employs about4,600people.In 2017, thelisted when they were small,” Hille Korhonen says. and shehelpedmeto take care of my children herself. She always encouraged meto pushmyself a sickchild income whenattending to to compensate for lossof and special care allowance Child homecare allowance 1980s Hille Korhonen CEO of Nokian Tyres Nokian Tyres isatyre manufacturer that should beableto take care of She usedto saythatawoman y mother was astrong woman. are lifted ecclesiastical offices appointing women to Restrictions on 1986 Exercising alsohelps herto keep goingatwork. in weightlifting (Masters, 63kg, from 2015 to 2018). being andsheiseven aveteran Finnish Champion Korhonen says. on thejobathandandtriedto domy work well,” because I’m awoman. Ihave always concentrated ed fields.Idon’t thinkI’ve ever beendisrespected have alsobuiltmy career working inmale-dominat there were 105menandfive women in my year. I doctorate by The University of . nology. In 2018,shewas awarded anhonorary Sports are very important for Korhonen’s well “When Iwas atuniversity studyingengineering, Korhonen isaLicentiate of Science inTech and Men between Women Act onEquality 1987 care entitled to day school age are All children under 1990’s - - - with herare introduced to the motherorshared cannot betransferred paternity allowance that Paternity leave and 1991 criminalised Marital rape is 1994

© Lehtikuva public prosecution becomes subjectto Domestic violence 1995 lifted military offices are appointing women to Restrictions on 1995 of diseases the classification eliminated from Transvestism 2011 H Helena Ranta Professor of Forensic Dentistry am atough professional. Surprisingly, someolder team. They have quicklyrealised, however, thatI since Ihave usuallybeentheleaderof ourforensic people inthedestinationcountries, especially woman onsite. My genderhassurprised some male-dominated. Ihave commonly beentheonly the 2004tsunami. Cameroon, Peru, Iraq and inSoutheastAsiaafter for instance, inBosnia andHerzegovina, Kosovo, zones andcatastrophe areas around theworld, has alsoconducted forensic investigations inwar “My working environment hasbeenextremely has worked in victim identification. She tionally renowned forensic dentist who elena Ranta, bornin1946, isaninterna

and genderexpression gender, genderidentity on thebasisof prohibits discrimination The Equality Act 2015 - adoption marriage and enables couples therightto grants same-sex Equal Marriage Act 2017 tional Prix Lysistrata award for peace mediation. curity” inFinland. In 2017, shewon thefirst interna Council Resolution 1325”Women, Peace andSe to enhance theimplementation of UNSecurity of the1325Network Finland. The network aims Women Finland andsheiscurrently thepresident rights advocate. She istheformer president of UN of Helsinki. She isknown for herwork asahuman Department of Forensic Medicine attheUniversity been broken,” Ranta says. tage. During my lifetime, many glassceilings have think thatmy genderhasreally beenadisadvan out my tasks onforeign assignments. But Idon’t Finnish specialistshave doubted my abilityto carry Before retiring, Ranta was Professor atthe as mothers couple are legally recognised both women inasame-sex effect in2019)ensures that Maternity Act(willtake 2018 - -

© Lehtikuva - 25 Equal education

© Elina Manninen © Unto Rautio Aalto university © OKM/Liisa Takala

Finland values education 153,262

ccording to Pisa* studies, Finland is one Today, education continues throughout *The Programme for All children in Finland are entitled After nine years of comprehensive UNIVERSITY STUDENTS international student to free pre-primary and basic school, young people continue to 2017 of the leading countries in education working life. Most employers in Finland offer their assessment (Pisa) is a joint education. There are no separate vocational education or an upper A within the Organisation for Economic employees courses to update their knowledge. research programme by schools for girls and boys. secondary school. WOMEN 53% | MEN 47% Cooperation and Development (OECD), particu- Many people change the field they work in and OECD countries that provides larly in reading and science. This is explained by re-educate themselves. Learning new skills such as information on the state Day care centres and schools provide Upper secondary schools provide the following factors: languages, ICT or handicrafts can also be a hobby and results of education in pre-primary education for six-year- general education that prepares international comparison. olds. students for further studies. Upper Consistently high quality of basic education that lasts for a lifetime. Finland has a comprehen- Every three years, the secondary school can be completed 31,014 for the entire age group across the country; highly sive network of institutes and colleges that offer programme assesses Children begin comprehensive in two to four years. At the end of skilled teachers; neighbourhood school principle: low-cost education and training in various fields mathematics, science school at the age of seven. Teaching, their schooling, students take a UNIVERSITY GRADUATES 2017 the school that children attend is determined that do not necessarily lead to degrees. Lifelong and reading skills among educational materials and school matriculation examination. About based on their area of residence; a well-function- learning benefits both individuals and the com- 15-year-olds. meals are free. Transport is free 58% of all students who took the WOMEN 58% | MEN 42% if the child lives more than five matriculation examination in 2017 ing and high quality library system. munity.

kilometres from the school. were girls. 2017 Statistics Finland Source:

26 27 Edutech pioneer

HELLO RUBY BOOKS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS Liukas’ first book Hello Ruby: Adventures in Cod- ing (2015) has been translated into 25 languages. The second and third books explain computers and the Internet to kids. The latest book in the series is about artificial intelligence and machine learning. She aims to provide children with creative thinking tools. The books combine illustrated stories with fun exercises. “Hello Ruby started as a book and that’s a great platform to start with, but it can become any­thing. How about a Hello Ruby school? It could become something totally different with the same Linda Liukas: Tech can be fun and creative values and goals,” Liukas says with a smile. PARENTS ARE THE SAME AROUND THE WORLD inda Liukas has written four innovative Hello When she studied coding at Stanford Universi- Liukas currently spends about six months a year Ruby books that explain computers, coding, ty in California, she learnt how to use coding as a travelling around the world as an inspirational L the Internet and artificial intelligence to tool to express herself. public speaker. Her audiences include teachers, children. She is also the main driver behind Rails “When I came back home to Finland, I started business managers, opinion leaders and parents. Girls, a non-profit community that teaches the ba- organising weekend events with my friend Karri “Wherever I go, parents always want the best sics of coding to women around the world. Liukas Saarinen. At these events, women had the oppor- for their children and together we identify what has studied diverse subjects including philosophy, tunity to learn coding, programming and software kind of skills their children need to thrive in the business, French and visual journalism. skills in a playful and fun way,” Liukas says. future. I’ve managed to combine technology with “Too often we see that mathematics and crea- “We named these events Rails Girls. The name soft values.” tivity get separated. Girls as young as 10 years old comes from an open-source web application Liukas is very popular, among others, in Japan, say that they see themselves as creative people framework called Ruby on Rails. Soon, the word South Korea and China. In May 2017, her Hello and not mathematically oriented and that they got out and we were asked to hold a similar event Ruby books won China’s top design prize, the EUR want to work with people rather than computers. in Singapore.” 130,000 Design Intelligence Gold Award. In my work as a public speaker and a children’s Today, Rails Girls is a global non-profit book writer and illustrator, I want to show girls that volunteer community. It has already organised lindaliukas.com working with technology is creative and you need events in 500 cities around the world on almost all railsgirls.com social skills to be good at it,” Liukas says. continents. helloruby.com

28 29 Equality challenges

Some equality challenges in Finland

ven though Finland is one of the leading Women in Finland are very well educated and A concern about that is countries in the world in gender equality, they commonly progress up to middle manage- often discussed is thatboys are not as successful E there are still issues that remain unresolved ment. at school as girls. in the society. “Paradoxically, in the highest leadership “This could be as a result of narrow models “One major issue is economic inequality: positions and on corporate boards, women are still of masculinity: reading and education are not on average, men earn more than women. The a minority.” considered masculine. We must realise, however, ”There are still things to be fixed in Finland. For vast majority of Finnish women work full-time. Another major problem in Finnish equality is that most boys do well at school in Finland and instance, the #MeToo campaign showed that equality The workforce is largely segregated so that men gendered violence that women from all social we should remember to celebrate Finnish girls’ has a thin surface. When you scratch it a little, attitudes and women work in different fields. In gener- groups encounter. success. If we break stereotypical gender roles, we resurface that clearly accept inequality. Nevertheless, al, female-dominated fields are paid less than “The perpetrators are most often current or get more equal learners.” on a global scale we are progressive in gender equality male-dominated fields. The unequal share of care ex-partners or acquaintances. Intimate violence Jyrkinen considers Finland to be a forerunner and we can remind others that the implementation of responsibilities between mothers and fathers is is a recurring process that will not stop without in involving civil society in advancing equality. equality benefits everyone.” part of the problem,” Marjut Jyrkinen says. outside intervention. We need multidisciplinary “Many NGOs are active in promoting equality She is an Associate Professor in Working Life cooperation between different authorities and and citizens’ initiatives drive the tabling of amend- FORMER TARJA HALONEN Equality and at the University of NGOs to break the cycle. We need more re- ments to the law. These are very valuable forms of Anna magazine, August 2018. Helsinki. Jyrkinen leads a research project for equal sources for this work and prevention of violence,” political influencing,” Jyrkinen concludes. working life called WeAll. Jyrkinen emphasises.

30 31 Development cooperation

Women’s rights in developing countries

he rights and status of women and girls is Finland has pioneered the promotion of the gives core funding to the United Nation’s Popu- a priority area in Finland’s development rights of all women and girls and gender equality. lation Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Children’s Fund policy. The matter continues to be a significant objective (UNICEF). Finland has been supporting girls’ and women’s T schooling for decades and it remains one of the key The aim of Finland’s development policy is to of our development policy. Furthermore, Finland supports multilateral objectives of Finland’s development cooperation. support developing countries’ efforts to eradicate The Finnish development policy is guided by organisations’ capacity to mainstream gender by Photo © Kirsi Pere / Ministry for Foreign Affairs poverty and inequality and promote sustainable human rights, which entails their systematic inte- sponsoring 17 gender expert positions within the development. gration as means and objectives in development UN and multilateral development banks. Women’s Bank is a fund administered by Finn Finland focuses its activities on four priority cooperation. Finland’s actions strive to promote the follow- Church Aid, with the aim of ensuring livelihoods areas. One of them is the rights and status of Gender equality is a crosscutting objective ing: Women and girls are better educated and and creating sustainable business opportunities for women and girls. Gender inequality is one of in Finland’s development policy. In addition to have better skills. Women and children have better women in developing countries. the greatest problems in developing countries. specific gender interventions, it is taken into access to high-quality basic services. Women and Photo © Ville Asikainen / Finn Church Aid Experience has shown that enhancing the rights consideration in all development policies. Finland girls are included in political decision-making and and the position of women and girls and their op- has vast experience in mainstreaming gender in in economic activities. More women and girls portunities to participate, strengthens the society various sectors. enjoy the right to make decisions that affect their as a whole. This also promotes the attainment of UN Women is one of Finland’s principal lives – and fewer fall victim to violence and abuse. other development goals. Finland possesses the strategic partners in the promotion of gender credibility and expertise to foster gender equality equality. Finland is one of the largest contributors Source: um.fi internationally. among UN Women member states. Finland also

32 33 Equality today

Finland emoji #girlpower. GENDER EQUALITY IS MONITORED AND See all our national emojis on ENFORCED BY OFFICIAL AUTHORITIES toolbox.finland.fi Gender Equality Unit, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Responsible for the Finnish Government’s gender equality policy preparation and coordination.

The Ombudsman for Equality An independent authority whose main duty is to supervise compliance with the Act on Equality between Women and Men. The Ombudsman has powers related to gender and gender minority matters. The powers of the Ombudsman consist of both combating discrimination and promoting equality. The Ombudsman carries out his tasks BLACK primarily by providing guidance and advice. The Ombudsman for Equality falls under the admin- istrative branch of the Ministry of Justice. TOP RANKINGS FOR FINLAND OVER SEVERAL INDICATORS Equality Board Can equality be measured? An independent committee that monitors compliance with gender equality legislation and discusses and resolves issues related to the n 2017, The World Economic Forum (WEF) Women in Finland have participated in political Happiest country in the world Finnish women’s gender equality legislation. reported that the 144 countries covered in their decision-making for more than a century. Equality World Happiness Report 2018 ranked in working life is the fourth best yearly report, on average, have closed 96% of between women and men in Finland is not a 156 countries according to their happiness in the world Council for Gender Equality I A parliamentary committee appointed by the the gap in health outcomes between women and matter of chance, but the result of persistent work levels. Sustainable Development Solutions The Glass-Ceiling Index 2018. The Economist. Finnish Government for the duration of a par- men and more than 95% of the gap in educational carried out by active and resilient women and Network. liamentary term. Promotes gender equality in attainment. However, the gaps between women men. Today, women wield increasing influence in society. The Gender Equality Prize, founded and men in economic participation and political politics, which is evident in various creative and Third most gender equal country Finland is the second best country by the Government of Finland, is Centre for Gender Equality, National Institute empowerment remain wide. courageous initiatives. awarded to a person or organisation in the world to be a girl in the world for Health and Welfare In the report, WEF divided nations into cat- A high proportion of women ensures more that has advanced gender equality Global Gender Gap Index 2017 included Save the Children, Every last girl: Collects and provides information on equality egories based on women’s access to healthcare equal decision-making, even though gender is not in a globally significant manner. 144 countries. World Economic Forum. Girl’s opportunity index 2016. between women and men and research on gender In 2017, the first recipient of the and education, as well as political and financial the only deciding factor. Competence is key in equality. Serves a diverse group of users: au- prize was Federal Chancellor Angela decision-making. In 2017, Finland was ranked third parliamentary work and in a modern information World’s most stable country Finland has the third most personal thorities, politicians, equality organisations and Merkel of Germany. She assigned operators, students, researchers, the media and in gender equality. The countries that did better society in general. Finland has good reason to the prize money to a civil society Fragile States Index 2018 ranked 178 freedom and choice in the world anyone interested in gender issues. than Finland were also Nordic countries. be proud of its highly competent women, whose organisation in Niger that advocates countries according to states’ vulnerability The Social Progress Imperative, Gender equality in Finland is a result of de- achievements are internationally renowned. the rights of women and girls. to conflict or collapse. The Fund for Peace. 2018 Social Progress Index. For more information, please see termined and systematic work over a long period. www.stm.fi Source: Statistics Finland

34 35 GENDER Did you know? In Finland, families are provided with support to combine work EQUALITY and family life. Children are guaranteed good preconditions with a comprehensive child health care system and the right to day care, school health care and school lunches. IN FINLAND The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors. E-mail: [email protected] For free reference use. Freedom of choice enhances quality of life