Contacting the Ombudsman for Equality

If you suspect that you have been discriminated against due to your gender, gender identity or gender expression, you can receive instructions and guidance from the Ombudsman for Equality. If you require advice and you want an answer quickly, you should get in touch with the Helpline:

Legal Helpline: 0295 666 842 (Mon–Tue 9–11 and Wed–Thu 13–15)

Calling the helpline will cost the normal mobile phone or local network charge according to the operator and subscription you use. The waiting time is also chargeable. If you are using a call package, check with your operator if it includes calls beginning with 029. When calling from abroad, the price of the call will be determined by the local operator.

The Ombudsman for Equality’s guidance is free of charge and confidential. You can also contact us anonymously.

The Ombudsman for Equality will consider whether or not an inquiry procedure is justified in your case. The inquiry procedure is usually initiated if the letter to the Ombudsman gives reason to suspect that the case involves conduct which is in violation of the Equality Act.

By calling the helpline you can get guidance on how to deal with your matter. If our expert thinks that a written inquiry procedure is required to assess whether you have been discriminated against or not, you will be given advice on how to prepare your letter to the Ombudsman for Equality. We recommend that you contact our helpline before writing to us. 

Also remember to check whether an answer to your question is included in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Writing to the Ombudsman for Equality

1) Electronic contact form

You can request that the Ombudsman for Equality looks into your case by filling in our electronic contact form.

The Ombudsman for Equality replies to all letters. The service is free of charge. You will receive a statement from the Ombudsman for Equality regarding the inquiry procedure within 6–12 months. The official languages of proceedings are Finnish and Swedish.

2) Sending secure e-mail

You have the ability to send confidential documents using the Ministry's secure email system. The service is free of charge, easy and safe to use.

Register into the service as a user of secure e-mail here. Open the confirmation link in the message received from the secure email system. Now you can send secured e-mail and add documents and attachments (the maximum size is 150 Mb. You can also send zipped attachments). You will then receive a confirmation email saying that your message has been sent successfully.

You find a guide which explains how to send secure mail to the Ministry of Justice and its agencies: Sending secure email messages: instructions for clients (pdf)