Parliamentary elections 17.4.2011

Advance voting in Finland 6.4.-12.4.2011

EMPOWERED & EQUAL

We want to see a more equitable society where the employers' costs for parental leaves are shared. In combination with an equal distribution of parental leaves, this would improve women's prospects for employment as well as for career and pay development while simultaneously strengthening the parenthood of men.

Combining work and family is needed also in other stages of life than when the children are small. An increasing number of grandparents combine gainful employment with tending their grandchildren.

Everyone has the right to an independent life encompassing both family life and work. It is important to ensure a just societal status for immigrant women and for women with disabilities.

Furthering gender equality throughout education, from nurseries to schools and higher education, is one step towards defeating gender stereotypical thinking within career choices and professional life.

In order to strengthen women's position on the labour market it is important to reduce unfounded fixed-term employment and to improve especially young women's and disabled women's opportunities for permanent employment.

Finland needs to better utilise the work potential among immigrant women and make use of everyone's experiences and unique competences. Particular attention should be paid to the multiple discrimination immigrant women may face on the labour market.

The right not to be exposed to gender-based violence is a question about fundamental human rights, freedoms, and gender equality. Nevertheless, one in five women in Finland faces violence or the threat of violence in her relationship. It is about time to finally bring women's human rights into all homes – also in Finland.