Minister of Economic Affairs Kulmuni: Focus on girls’ opportunities in the technology sector on the International Day of the Girl Child

Girls’ input is crucial for the future of the planet and for identifying solutions to fight climate change, says Minister of Economic Affairs Katri Kulmuni.

On the International Day of the Girl Child, Minister Kulmuni wants to draw special attention to the fact that the technology sector has largely failed to tap into the skills and competence of girls and women.

Even in Finland, the technology sector is male-dominated: only about one in five of employees are female, and the same holds true for students and researchers.

“We need everyone’s skills and input in the fight against climate change. That’s why I think it is important to promote the careers of girls and women in technology sectors,” says Minister Kulmuni.

“Finland has what it takes to provide solutions to tackle climate change. We have cutting-edge technology expertise and solutions for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in areas such as energy production and consumption, and for taking efficient action in transport, construction, industry, agriculture and waste management.”

“I am very pleased with the steps educational institutions and other organisations have taken to make the technology sector more attractive to girls. The Women in Tech Forum event today is a shining example of this,” Kulmuni says.

“I personally want to foster action that makes education and careers in technology more attractive and accessible to girls and women, and encourage everyone to think of ways in which we could make full use of everyone’s abilities in meeting the challenges that affect us all.”

The International Day of the Girl Child is held annually on 11 October to remind us of the discrimination girls all over the world face because of their age and gender. At the same time, it celebrates the strength and potential of girls. This year, the day is themed around climate change. Plan International, a children’s rights organisation, emphasises that climate change has a serious impact on girls, particularly in developing countries. But girls also play a key role in our search for solutions that would allow us to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Inquiries:
Eeva Kärkkäinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 29 504 7247