Gender equality in Finland

In recent decades, the EU has made significant progress towards gender equality: more women now go out to work, and they have better access to education and training. The European Commission has helped promote gender equality through the strategy for equality between women & men. The World Economic Forum has published since 2006 a comparative study on gender equality in 135 countries around the world. In 2012 Finland came second in this survey second only to Iceland.

Getting help

Ever felt that your gender has stopped you from getting a job? Or witnessed someone being unfairly treated because of their gender? Information and advice on how you can defend your statutory rights can be obtained in Finland from the Ombudsman for Equality.  The Ombudsman for Equality is responsible for monitoring the observance of the Act on Equality between Women and Men. The Ombudsman for  
Equality works as an independent authority within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Ombudsman for Equality gives advice and counseling on issues relating to the Equality Act. In addition, the Ombudsman for Equality supervises the implementation of protection of gender minorities against discrimination.