In July 2008, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women met to discuss Finland’s fifth and sixth periodic reports. The committee found that Finland has made great progress in eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality through legal reforms. Finland was particularly commended for its 2005 Act on Equality between Women and Men, which provides a general framework for equal treatment between persons, irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, in the work place, as well as its implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
Although Finland has taken an active role in eliminating discrimination against women, the committee had many concerns pertaining to gender equality in legislative reform, gender mainstreaming, violence against women, trafficking, education and treatment of immigrant women. The committee recommends that the state of Finland survey and monitor these areas of concern as well as develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls.
Finland will be expected to report to the committee in 2011.
To read the entire report click here.
Compiled from: Finland's New Gender Equality Plan Will Advance Women's Rights, Prevent Domestic Violence, Reduce Gender Pay Gap, Women's Ant-Discrimination Committee Told, CEDAW Committee (841st & 842nd Meetings) (July 2008)