Finland has always been an exemplary example for other countries when it comes to gender equality. In 1906, Finland was the first country in the world to extend the right to vote and stand for elections to all women and men. It was also the first country to elect women to Parliament, (Finland - Society Committed to Gender Equality, 2019). From such an early time, women have been granted rights in this country while some countries are still struggling to acknowledge the need for women's rights. Finland continues to provide women with equal rights that allow both women and men to contribute to society fairly. In Finland, women have access to education, healthcare, jobs, and are able to hold political seats. Countries should work towards creating a safe and equal environment for women like Finland has done for decades.
In 2018, Finland's population was 2,794,629 women and 2,723,290 men, (Gender Equality, 2020). In regard to education, 57.5% of women have tertiary level degrees (Gender Equality, 2020). The employment rate of individuals ages 16-24 is 70.6% women and 72.7% men, (Gender Equality, 2020); this is almost equal while other countries do not even allow women to work! There is also a small gap in wage; women earn 84 euro cents for every euro a man makes, (Gender Equality, 2020). According to the Finland Toolbox (2019), "Finland has placed the human rights of women as one of our priorities. As one of the most crucial aspects of violence against women and girls. Finland promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls," (Finland - Society Committed to Gender Equality, 2019). Their emphasis on gender equality has allowed them to become so close to their sustainable development goal.
The reason why Finland is doing so well in the area of gender equality is because they have mainstreamed gender equality. Finland has always acknowledged the importance of women's contribution in their country. They promote gender equity and continue to allow women to attain equal rights and protections as men. Other countries tend to ignore the need for women or see them as incompetent. By enforcing laws and highlighting the need for women's rights, they are able to provide women with a safe and equal environment.
References
Finland - Society Committed to Gender Equality. (2019, February 15). Finland Toolbox. Retrieved from https://toolbox.finland.fi/life-society/finland-society-committed-to-gender-equality/
Gender Equality. (2020, April 16). Statistics Finland. Retrieved from http://www.stat.fi/tup/tasaarvo/index_en.html
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