Ombudsman for Equality

Authorities of Gender Equality

Equality matters fall within the scope of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in Finland. Those responsible for the practical implementation of equality are:

The Ombudsman for Equality works as an independent authority monitoring compliance with the Act on Equality between Women and Men.

The Equality Unit prepares the government's gender equality policy. In addition, the Unit co-ordinates international issues related to the European Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The Council for Equality is a parliamentary body that works to promote gender equality in societal matters.

The Equality Board is an independent committee that oversees compliance with gender equality legislation and resolves matters related to it.

The EU Ombudsman and the European Court of Justice issue judicial rulings on matters including gender equality issues.

Finland has an Ombudsman for Minorities who operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and who oversees the equal treatment of people outside working life.

Occupational safety and health authorities supervise compliance with equality legislation in the working place.

Employers and institutions of higher education are obliged under the Equality Act to draw up equality plans for promoting gender equality.