During the previous council term of 2009-2012, Vantaa outlined the operational equality and non-discrimination work priorities as gender mainstreaming and the use of gender impact assessment (suvaus) in all of the city’s operations.
These require that all decisions and actions are prepared and implemented taking into account how they affect women and men. Gender impact assessment, in turn, requires both quantitative and qualitative information on gender, data analysis, and application in the basic work, as well as monitoring and evaluation. For example, in 2011, each field of work had the responsibility to integrate gender impact assessment in at least one of their financial goals. Support for the mainstreaming and gender impact assessment was obtained from the “Mainstreaming in practice” ESR project which helped to, among others, organize gender impact assessment trainings. The city of Vantaa's operational model has proven to be internally functional. Vantaa has also been involved in relevant co-operation in Finland and Europe. Vantaa has received national and international recognition for its equality and non-discrimination work. The Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) selected the gender equality training process that has been implemented in the city of Vantaa, as a good practice in 2012. The strengths of Vantaa’s training program have been, among others, its practicality and needs-based focus.
Equality and non-discrimination work requires a long-term commitment and development. This work will be continued in Vantaa for the council term of 2013-2016. Through the training program, the knowledge and awareness of the government and elected officials regarding these issues will be greatly increased. Also, the pro-active impact assessment (evaus in Finnish) always includes a gender impact assessment.
It is impossible for the City of Vantaa to work alone and in isolation from other sectors. We need the invaluable work of pioneers and partners. Those just like Nicehearts ry.
Nicehearts ry is a strong stakeholder in Vantaa and the city’s partner in gender and culture sensitive work, with a particular focus on multicultural work with girls and women.
Gender sensitivity means being sensitive to the different influences of gender without reproducing stereotypes. Culture sensitivity, in turn, means taking into account the different cultural characteristics without only focusing on ethnic background. In both, the fundamental
matter is about identity construction, about reflecting on the multi-dimensional and even conflicting differences, which are shown as behaviors when representing a certain culture and gender at the same time.
My godson moved from South Africa to Finland in 2004. His mother tongue is Finnish, and he is a citizen of Finland. In addition, both his parents are Caucasian. Currently, he is a lively 10-year-old schoolboy, quick to learn new things and a talented skier. I'm confused when I hear him called as "the fucking Somalian". There is still so much to do. What kind of gender and cultural identity will my godson develop? Or how will his grandchildren live in Finland of the future? What will his life look like in 2094?
Heidi Nygren
Deputy Mayor
City of Vantaa
N.B. This is an unofficial translation of the original article which was written in Finnish.