Gender equality and equal opportunities work at the University of Eastern Finland is based on legislation and the values of the university. The foundation and goal of gender equality and equal opportunities work is to identify and prevent expressions, structures and functions that maintain or increase inequality, and to promote gender equality and equal opportunities at all levels of the university.
The University of Eastern Finland takes an active approach to promoting equal opportunities with regard to all the grounds for discrimination listed in the Non-discrimination Act. The Act on Equality between Women and Men specifies that in addition to gender equality, attention must be paid to gender plurality and the prevention of discrimination against sexual minorities. The Non-discrimination Act further requires employers and education providers to make reasonable accommodation for disabled persons. Reasonable accommodation guarantees equal opportunities in participating in education, in performing work duties and in career advancement.
The University of Eastern Finland has an Equal Opportunities Committee comprising representatives of the staff, the Student Union and the employer. The Committee is chaired by Dean Janne Pietarinen, with Human Resources Specialist Virva Pietarinen serving as the Committee's secretary. The Equal Opportunities Committee has prepared a Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Plan, which describes the current situation regarding gender equality and equal opportunities at the university and measures intended to implement and promote gender equality and equal opportunities among staff and students.
The University of Eastern Finland is an accessible studying and working environment.
Accessibility refers to a physical, mental and social environment where everyone, regardless of their personal characteristics, can act and interact equally with others.
We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying.
Discrimination is defined as the different treatment of an individual or a group of people on the basis of his/her or their background. Harassment and inappropriate treatment refer to behaviour that violates the law, agreements or good manners.
Students are treated equally at all stages of their study path.
This is sought to be achieved by, e.g., introducing electronic entrance examinations, developing the university's learning environments and taking students' individual needs into consideration.
Staff members are treated equally and they have equal opportunities.
This is sought to be achieved by investigating and introducing various measures that support and encourage women's career advancement, and by making sure that the division of responsibilities and career advancement are based on skills, achievements and equal distribution of workloads.
Public document
The Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Plan is a public document signed by the university’s Rector, and it is available on the public website of the University of Eastern Finland.
Resources have been allocated to work promoting gender equality
The University of Eastern Finland has a Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Committee, which comprises representatives of the staff associations, the Student Union, and the employer. In addition, the University of Eastern Finland has two designated contact persons for equality-related matters. Students and staff can easily turn to them in all issues related to gender equality. Taking gender equality into account is also central to the promotion of diversity at the university.
Collection and monitoring of data relating to gender equality
Statistics relating to gender, pay equality, career development and the use of family leaves are monitored, for example, in the annual human resources statement and in statistics discussed by the Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Committee.
Training and competence development
The objective of the University of Eastern Finland is to increase the awareness and competence of its staff and students relating to gender equality, equal opportunities and diversity. Training is provided both for the entire staff, and as targeted training for different groups, such as supervisors.
In addition to the mandatory GEP criteria, the University of Eastern Finland takes into account the European Commission’s Gender Equality Plan recommendations in the development of its work relating to gender equality and equal opportunities. These recommendations include:
- balance between work and leisure time
- gender equality in management and decision-making
- gender equality in recruitment and career development
- incorporating the gender perspective into research and education
- measures to combat gender-based violence, including sexual harassment.
Learn more about gender equality and equal opportunities
Ulla Hurskainen
Director of Human Resources and Staff Well-being
+358505125238
Contact persons for gender equality and equal opportunities at the University of Eastern Finland