Government adopts resolution on Government Action Plan for Gender Equality 2024–2027

The Government adopted a resolution on the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality 2024–2027 at its session on 6 february 2025. The Action Plan contains 50 measures, and it has a strong emphasis on the prevention of violence against women. The Action Plan is based on the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government.

The measures set out in the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality cut across society at large. The Action Plan contains a total of 50 measures under the following six themes: education; working life; inclusion and decision-making; violence; international cooperation; and the institutional structures of gender equality policy. 

“The Government is strongly committed to promoting gender equality and equal human rights for all. Promoting gender equality is long-term work, and it requires efforts from all administrative branches. During the term of office of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government, particular priority is given to combating violence against women, violence in families and honour related violence,” says Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, who is responsible for gender equality issues.  

In connection with the preparation of the Action Plan, the Government consulted stakeholders in October 2024. The Action Plan for Gender Equality is traditionally published as a government resolution. 

Action Plan emphasises work against violence against women 

The Action Plan includes a number of measures to combat violence. Mediation in domestic violence cases will be discontinued. The number of family places in shelters for victims of domestic violence will be increased. Cooperation structures will be further developed to prevent violence. More clearly defined actions will be taken to tackle honour-related violence and coercion into marriage. Female genital mutilation will be criminalised more explicitly, and measures to combat sexual harassment. 

Finland will also continue its work as a strong promoter of gender equality through EU policy and international cooperation.  

The Action Plans also sets out several measures to promote gender equality in working life. The Government will, among other things, target more effective measures at preventing discrimination based on pregnancy leave and family leave. 

Monitoring and reporting related to the implementation of the Action Plan for Gender Equality 

The Action Plan for Gender Equality provides an opportunity to monitor the gender equality policy measures taken during the government term, and a report on the implementation of the Action Plan will be made at the end of the government term. The Action Plan was prepared jointly by the ministries, and it covers the entire Government. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will coordinate the monitoring of the Action Plan, and each ministry will be responsible for its own part for implementing the measures. 

The Government also expressed its opinion on the themes of gender equality and non-discrimination in the statement on promoting equality, gender equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society that was published in autumn 2023. The statement highlights equality themes while the Action Plan focuses on gender equality. The Prime Minister’s Office is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the statement. 

Inquiries: 

Laura Rissanen, State Secretary to the Minister of Social Security, tel. +358 295 163 632 

Terhi Heinilä, Director, Gender Equality Unit, tel. +358 295 163 003 

Annamari Asikainen, Minsterial Adviser. Gender Equality Unit, tel. +358 295 163 331