Equality in Everyday Life – First Reflections as the Ombudsman for Equality

As I begin my work as the Ombudsman for Equality, I have paused to consider a fundamental question: is equality in Finland truly realised in practice, or does it too often remain merely a principle?

In Finland, equality is protected by law and regarded as a key social value. Yet it does not come about automatically. This is evident in the day-to-day work of the Ombudsman for Equality – in recruitment, pay practices and the reconciliation of work and family life. Rights matter only when they function in everyday life.

I find it important to view equality primarily as a question of legal protection. The Ombudsman’s task is to ensure that people have the opportunity to have their cases heard and their rights assessed. In this role, equality is not primarily politics, but an integral part of the rule of law.

The rule of law means that laws bind everyone and that rights can be defended independently and effectively. Ultimately, equality is realised in whether a person truly has the means to have their rights protected when facing a stronger party.

Recently, increasing expectations have been placed on the Ombudsman for Equality, especially regarding data production, reporting and various administrative duties. This development is understandable to some extent, although its significance is limited within the wider context of equality policy. Amid all this, it is essential to ensure that this development does not blur the Ombudsman’s core mission: the legal protection mandate must remain clear and primary.

Equality is not an isolated issue; it is connected to many areas of society. Working life, education, family policy and social security are all intertwined. Solutions therefore often arise at the intersections of these fields. For example, discrimination related to family leave in recruitment situations falls directly within the scope of the Equality Act, yet behind it lie broader labour market practices and structures in family policy and social security. Sustainable solutions therefore require action across these different sectors. The Ombudsman’s role is to intervene in individual cases of discrimination and thereby contribute to solutions that have wider relevance.

Equality concerns everyone. Gender diversity is an essential part of today’s society, and recognising it is part of equality work. Above all, it means that everyone has the right to be met as themselves and without discrimination. In practice, this may mean ensuring that services, forms and everyday encounters acknowledge gender diversity: that people can use their own name and are not unnecessarily required to define their gender. This helps ensure that everyone can navigate daily life without discrimination and be recognised as themselves.

In recent years, the public debate on equality has shifted and, at times, become more polarised. I see equality above all as a shared issue. It is not about opposition between women and men, but about how society can function fairly for all. Gender equality means that everyone can act and be treated equally across all areas of society, free from discrimination and prejudice.

Equality does not arise solely from the work of authorities. It is built through the combined effect of legislation, workplace practices and people’s everyday choices. As the Ombudsman for Equality, I want to support this development – by monitoring the realisation of rights and bringing knowledge and perspectives into public discussion.
As I begin this role, I believe it is important to listen to and understand diverse experiences. Equality work requires both precise analysis and the ability to see broader contexts. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that the knowledge we gain leads to practical measures and solutions that promote gender equality throughout society.

Equality is a core value in Finnish society. But its realisation is not guaranteed. That is why we must work for it – every day.

Mia Spolander
Ombudsman for Equality

 

30.03.2026