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The Government: Sexual harassment must be eradicated

Government Communications Department
Publication date 12.12.2017 12.55 | Published in English on 12.12.2017 at 16.34
Press release 586/2017
Kuva: Leon Israel

Sexual harassment has emerged as an important topic of discussion this autumn. The Finnish Government takes public discussion on this theme and people relating their experiences extremely seriously. The Government stresses that sexual harassment is always reprehensible, and it must not be accepted under any circumstances. Parliamentary debate on this issue is also important.

Sexual harassment and molestation are prohibited by law. The climate of attitudes still has plenty of room for improvement, however, and practical measures are needed, including clear instructions for dealing with workplace harassment cases. The Government urges all employers and organisations to examine what they could do to put an end to harassment. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that zero tolerance for sexual harassment is practised in the workplace. The Government also encourages those who have experienced harassment to bring the matter up in their work organisations.

A change in attitudes and practices is needed in Finland in workplaces, at school, online as well as in different recreational activities. Particular attention should be paid to schools to ensure safe learning environments for children and young people. All pupils and students have a right to a safe study and school environment in which everyone is respected.

“Sexual harassment is associated with a certain culture of not talking about it and not intervening”, says Prime Minister Sipilä. “What is important now is continuing the discussion and ensuring that things will change.”

Next spring, the Government will make decisions on actions it will take to eradicate sexual harassment in the context of its Action Plan for Gender Equality. Ministers Lindström, Mattila and Saarikko have invited the labour market organisations and key stakeholders to a discussion on sexual harassment in the workplace that will take place already before Christmas.

Minister of Education Sanni Grahn-Laasonen has assigned to the Finnish National Agency for Education the task of, together with education providers and other experts, updating the relevant guidelines by the end of February 2018 to provide all those working at schools and in educational institutions with capabilities for acting to prevent sexual harassment and molestation.

The Government stresses that everyone is now required to take action. An individual citizen may also intervene in unacceptable behaviour. We must have zero tolerance for sexual harassment in our society.

Requests for comments by the Prime Minister: Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733

Further information: Riina Nevamäki, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in Political Affairs, tel. +358 40 705 2593

 
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