Finland refuses to regress

The promotion of gender equality, women’s rights and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people is facing strong opposition around the world. The situation causes concern, but Finland’s policy is clear: we defend gender equality and continue to work towards achieving equality between women, men and people belonging to gender minorities together with the other Nordic countries, civil society and our other partners.

Gender equality is about human rights and the preconditions for social justice. Without them, gender equality, development and peace cannot be achieved. This is the message of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in September 1995.

The message is still relevant 30 years later, but there has been a split in the ranks of the signatories. Instead of gender equality, development and peace, our world is shaped by war, unrest and strong uncertainty. Many of the achievements of long-term equality work are now under threat. Gender is used to deepen dividing lines.

Finland continues to defend gender equality

Despite this challenging situation, Finland is strongly committed to the principles agreed in Beijing. We continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls and the rights of sexual and gender minorities both nationally and internationally.

In Finland, the Government is taking determined action to combat violence against women and domestic violence and to promote gender equality in working life. At the international level, our commitment is reflected in joint Nordic advocacy work and in the agreement concerning the reconstruction of Ukraine. We work to advance the rights of women and girls and promote the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights through, for example, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

United front both in Finland and abroad

The debate on gender equality has also taken a negative tone in Finland. Multi-voiced discussion is part of democracy, but we must not lose sight of what has always been a strength for Finland. 
Finland has long promoted gender equality through diverse actions and cross-sectoral cooperation. On this International Women’s Day, such cooperation can be seen on the streets of Helsinki when women’s organisations call on defenders of gender equality, people and organisations, to march for our common values.

Right after International Women’s Day, the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will hold its 69th session in New York. It can be expected that joint commitments will be challenged. I will chair the Finnish delegation at the CSW session. We will participate in negotiations and numerous side events in accordance with our policy: advocating for gender equality, together with our partners.

We need all of you to promote gender equality and women’s rights. Everyone’s contribution is important. I wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day and a successful march for gender equality.

Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen
Minister responsible for gender equality issues