Women's Role in Finnish Democracy Building

Demo has published a booklet named Women’s Role in Finnish Democracy Building together with the Department for Development Policy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The publication is a part of a series called The Finnish Experience which highlights the strengths of Finland in social development. The booklet presents the roles of women and men in the development of Finland from the 19th century to the present day.

An extract from the back cover of the booklet:

"In 2006 Finland celebrates the Centenary of the granting of Universal Suffrage to all of the citizens of Finland. Through the granting of full political rights to women, Finland has since been able to achieve a society in which women have an equal place, guaranteed by law, alongside men. An equal society allows all citizens the possibility to make free choices, and to realise their hopes and dreams, regardless of their gender. The participation of women in providing for the family, and in making family decisions, allows them to share family responsibilities, and thus also benefits men.

Education is an important factor in enabling citizens to have an effect on politics and on society: Finland’s first school for girls was established in the late 1700s. In the more than 200 years since then, we have come to the point at which women form the majority of students in secondary and university education. Women now participate more than ever in the labour market, which they entered in large numbers after the end of WWII. During the war years they had to take over the Home Front, and to do jobs that it had traditionally been thought that only men could do.

The modern Finnish welfare system supports parents who wish to stay at home to take care of their small children. As the children grow, the national daycare system and a comprehensive school system provide parents with the possibility of combining working outside the home with family life. This gives women, too, better chances for participating in political activities and in taking responsibility for positions of trust, such as elected political office, in society. Women’s participation in politics is important to maintain equality and to ensure that women’s point of view on national affairs is seen in Government policies."

This booklet, as well as the more recent joint publication of Demo and the Ministry on Finnish political youth organisations, can be ordered from the Demo offices. The booklet of Women's Role can also be downloaded by using the link below:

Women's Role in Finnish Democracy Building

DEMO Finland Töölöntorinkatu 2 B, 00260 Helsinki, Finland Tel. +358 9 231 50580  |  Fax +358 9 231 50520