UN recommendations to Finland on the implementation of women's rights


Finland reported to the committee monitoring implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on 22 February 2001 in New York. At the public hearing Finland's third and fourth periodic reports on implementation of the Convention were considered. Finland's seven-member delegation at the hearing was led by Ambassador Marjatta Rasi, head of Finland's permanent representation to the United Nations in New York.

The CEDAW committee praised Finland for having enabled non-governmental organisations to take part in the preparation of the reports and for the ample size of the delegation, which facilitated direct and constructive dialogue with the members of the committee.

The committee was pleased that Finland was among the first group of countries to sign and ratify the optional protocol to CEDAW approved in 1999. The committee also expressed approval of Finland's significant achievements in enacting legislation promoting gender equality. It noted that the new Finnish Constitution gives priority to basic rights in contentious legal cases. There was also praise for the government's measures to combat violence against women, especially domestic violence.

The committee expressed concern over discrimination against women in working life and the under-representation of women in high positions. In the committee's view violence against women is widespread and trafficking in women has increased. Women are increasingly exploited in prostitution. Other causes of concern include discrimination against emigrant women and women belonging to minorities as well as increased smoking and use of drugs amongst young girls.

The committee also made a number of recommendations. The government should promote cross-occupational education and training in typically female- and male-dominated occupations and promote understanding in education of gender issues. Men should be encouraged to exercise their right to parental leave. The committee urges the government to make it easier for women to attain high positions. The government is further urged to take steps to counter the negative effects on women of fixed-term employment and to strengthen - in accordance with the Act on Equality between Men and Women - the methods of monitoring plans to promote gender equality. The committee urges the government to intensify its efforts to prevent violence against women. In order to combat trafficking in women, the committee urges increased cooperation among authorities, nationally and internationally.

Further information: Kirsi Hurme, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Legal Department, tel: +358-9-13415706, e-mail: [email protected]