State Secretary Lindén: Family leave for fathers to be extended

"A well-functioning system of family leaves gives both mothers and fathers the opportunity to care for a small child. The best result is attained when part of the family leave is earmarked for the father. We want to extend the leaves dedicated to fathers and allow them to be used more flexibly," said State Secretary Jarmo Lindén, speaking at the OECD ministerial meeting today in Paris.

According to Lindén, the reconciliation of work and family life is crucial in increasing women's participation in working life.

"High-quality, reasonably priced day-care ensures that both parents can go to work."

Labour market organisations play a key role in narrowing the pay gap between men and women, says Lindén.

"Without the contribution of labour market organisations, the government has few means at its disposal. Awareness of equal pay issues should also be heightened among agreement parties at the workplace. Gender segregation in the labour market should be reduced by encouraging women and men to train for occupations dominated by the opposite gender."

The government is currently preparing a gender equality programme extending to 2015 that will bring together the key gender equality actions. Lindén hopes for broader commitment to gender equality targets.

"Gender equality issues must be the business of the whole government, not just of the minister responsible for gender equalityissues. Government officials should also incorporate the promotion of gender equality in their daily work."

Special Adviser Minna Kelhä, tel. +358 40 687 3835, forename.surname@minedu.fi