Gender equality and non-discrimination

The equal and non-discriminatory treatment of personnel is a statutory duty of employers, is an element of good management and contributes to the quality of employment. Promoting gender equality and non-discrimination at work improves the wellbeing of personnel and boosts the employer organisation’s performance and image.

Central government is committed to being a good employer and treats its personnel in an equal and non-discriminatory manner. The equal treatment of employees is an integral part of being an employer and is particularly important when recruiting personnel and defining the terms of employment relationships. For example, central government pay systems are based on the complexity of the position in question and the performance of the person in that position. Central government pays the same pay for the same work or for work of equal value, irrespective of gender.

The Office for the Government as Employer represents the central government in projects, working groups and international efforts relating to gender equality and non-discrimination. It also informs and advises units of central government on gender equality and non-discrimination matters. Central government units are independent employers that are responsible for compliance with the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act.

The State Treasury publishes annual data on fields, occupations and equal pay in central government by gender in the central government’s personnel report. 

Further information

Act on Equality between Women and Men (609/1986)

Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014)

Contact information

Mika Happonen
Ministerial adviser
Tel. +358 2955 30272
[email protected]