International cooperation on gender equality

European Union

Gender equality is promoted in the EU using legislation and gender equality policies. The promotion of equality between men and women and the elimination of discrimination are among the EU’s guiding principles. They are written into the EU Constitution.

The Commission’s strategy for gender equality sets out the EU’s gender equality goals for the period 2016-2019. One aim of the EU strategy is to reduce the gender pay gap, increase the number of women in company management, and prevent gender-based violence.

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) supports EU institutions and member states in promoting gender equality in all areas of decision-making and in fighting discrimination based on gender. The institute collects information on the gender equality situation in member states, publicises gender equality issues, thereby aiming to raise awareness about gender equality among EU citizens. 

Council of Europe

Finland is holder of the Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, from November 2018 to May 2019. In March 2019 Finland and the Council of Europe held two conferences on gender equality. The first of these dealt with access to justice for Roma women.   

The second conference dealt with efforts to eradicate gender stereotypes and sexism.

United Nations

The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council convenes each year to evaluate the state of gender equality at UN level. Finland is involved in the work of the CSW.

Nordic Council of Ministers

Finland also cooperates internationally on furthering gender equality in its work with the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Further information

Eeva Raevaara, Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Work and Gender Equality / TTO, Gender Equality Unit / TASY Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council  Telephone:0295163205   Email Address:

Päivi Yli-Pietilä, Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Work and Gender Equality / TTO, Gender Equality Unit / TASY Telephone:0295163228   Email Address: