Gender Equality Act promotes gender equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination
In Finland, the Act on Equality between Women and Men, or the Gender Equality Act, lays down obligations to promote gender equality. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for drafting the act.
In addition to the Constitution and the Gender Equality Act, this page provides information on the Non-Discrimination Act, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice, and on the Employment Contracts Act, which, in turn, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
What does the Constitution say about equality and non-discrimination?
Under the Constitution, no one is, without an acceptable reason, to be treated differently from other persons on the ground of sex, age, origin, language, religion, belief, opinion, health, disability or any other reason related to the person.
The Constitution also requires that gender equality is promoted in all societal activity and working life, especially when determining pay and other terms of employment.
What is the Gender Equality Act?
The purpose of the Act on Equality between Women and Men is to prevent discrimination based on gender, promote equality between women and men and improve the status of women, particularly in working life. The act also aims to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression.
The act applies extensively to societal activity and different areas of life. Only private life and religious practice are excluded.
The act contains provisions on the promotion of equality, the prohibition of gender-based discrimination, and legal protection.
Prohibition of discrimination based on gender
Gender-based discrimination is prohibited in all of its forms. Gender-based discrimination means treating someone differently on the basis of gender, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, family responsibilities, gender identity or gender expression. Violating the prohibition of discrimination may result in a compensatory fine.
Sexual or gender-based harassment, any order or instruction to engage in discrimination and retaliation against employees for exercising their rights are considered discrimination. Discrimination can also result from a reason or assumed reason involving a person close to the person discriminated against.
Duty to promote gender equality
It is important that the authorities assess all their activities from the perspective of different genders. The authorities, providers of early childhood education and care, providers of education and training and employers have a duty to promote gender equality and prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
At workplaces with at least 30 employees working in employment relationships, a key tool for promoting gender equality is the gender equality plan and the related pay survey.
How is compliance with the Gender Equality Act supervised?
The Ombudsman for Equality and the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal supervise compliance with the Gender Equality Act.
The Ombudsman for Equality provides guidance and advice on matters relating to compliance with the Gender Equality Act, such as gender equality planning and the prohibition of discrimination. The Ombudsman for Equality can also promote reconciliation in matters concerning discrimination.
The National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal may, under threat of imposing a fine, ban a discriminatory practice and, on the proposal of the Ombudsman for Equality, require the preparation of a gender equality plan within a set period of time and confirm the reconciliation between the parties.
More information on supervision is available on the following websites:
What is the Non-Discrimination Act?
The Non-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activity, family relationships, health, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.
The act also contains provisions on the promotion of equality.
Compliance with the Non-Discrimination Act is overseen by the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, occupational safety and health authorities and the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal.
What does the Employment Contracts Act say about gender equality?
The Employment Contracts Act contains provisions on the equal treatment of employees and the prohibitions of discrimination, on family leave and on termination in the case of an employee who is pregnant or on family leave.
The occupational safety and health authorities oversee compliance with the Employment Contracts Act.
- Tyosuojelu.fi (Website of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Finland)
Further information
Terhi Tulkki, Ministerial Adviser
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Work and Gender Equality / TTO, Gender Equality Unit / TASY Telephone:0295163229 Email Address: [email protected]