Ombudsman for Equality

Scope of application in state administration

The quota principle applies to Government committees, advisory boards and other similar bodies. The quota provision will even be applied to a body of a committee nature if it exercises power of decision. The quota provision must also be adhered to in bodies appointed by ministries, such as working groups. Delegations appointed by a public authority representing authorities or a sector of administration in international cooperation are included in the bodies referred to in the quota provision.

According to the provision, the proportion of both women and men in these bodies must be at least 40 per cent. The provision does not, however, apply to an investigation of a committee nature carried out by one person. If a steering group or an expert group is appointed to support this kind of investigation, the 40 per cent rule of the Equality Act will apply.

The quota provision shall not be applied, if a committee, advisory board, board or other similar body appoints a subcommittee/division or, for example, a working group from amongst its own members or external experts.