Ombudsman for Equality

Overview

The Ombudsman for Equality is an independent authority whose main duty is to supervise compliance with the Act on Equality between Women and Men. The Ombudsman has power on matters related to gender, gender identity, and gender expression. The powers of the Ombudsman consist of both combating discrimination and promoting equality. The Ombudsman carries out his tasks primarily by providing guidance and advice.

Brief history

The Ombudsman for Equality and the Office of the Ombudsman were established on January 1st, 1987, by the Act on the Ombudsman for Equality and the Equality Board. The Act on Equality between Women and Men came into force at the same time. 
In 2001 the administration of equality issues was reorganised in Finland and the personnel of the Ombudsman’s Office was divided between two units, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Gender Equality Unit, which is a unit of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Until January 1, 2015, the Ombudsman was administratively located within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
The Act on Equality between Men and Women has been amended several times and the amendments have brought up new duties to the Ombudsman. Since the amendment of the Act in 2005 the Act has been interpreted to cover also discrimination faced by gender minorities. 
The Ombudsman for Equality is fully independent while performing her legislative duties. Since January 1, 2015, the Ombudsman has been administratively located under the administrative branch of the Ministry of Justice.

Governing laws and regulations

Mandate

Sectors covered

Private, Public

Legal standing before the courts

Representing victims of discrimination before the courts

Functions

• Making recommendations on claims of discrimination [or other decisions on the merit that are not legally binding]
• Undertaking ex-officio investigations
• Organising training, advising and capacity-building activities for particular stakeholders on meeting their obligations
• Organising awareness raising and communication activities
• Advising government on the development, adoption and amendment of law and policy
• Monitoring national law and policy from an equality perspective
• Reporting to national and international bodies on discrimination issues
• Networking with relevant entities in the country and internationally

Fields and grounds

Other grounds

Gender expression

Other mandates of the institution

Standalone dedicated national equality body

Institution

Management and Appointments

Management

Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)

The Ombudsman is fully independent and impartial authority while performing her legislative duties but is administratively located under the administrative branch of the Ministry of Justice.

Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board

The staff of the Office of the Ombudsman for Equality is appointed by the Ombudsman for Equality. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Council of State.

Regional or Local offices

This institution does not have regional officies.

Accountability

National Parliament, National Ministry