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The news service is sponsored by SAK, the largest central trade union in Finland, and eleven of its 24 affiliated unions.

Milestones in Finnish equality since the 1960s*
(01.12.1997)

1961
-
Approval of the birth control pill

1962
-
The principle of equal pay for equal work in both the private and public sector

1963
-
Ratification of the ILO Convention on equal wages

1970
-
Abortion Act
- Inclusion of personal relations course and sex education in the syllabus for comprehensive school
- Ratification of the ILO Convention against discrimination and amendment of the Labour Act whereby employers were obligated to treat their employees on an equal basis

1973
-
Act on daycare for children

1975
-
Women become eligible for all State posts except those requiring completion on military service

1978
-
Parents receive the right to divide parental leave among themselves

1983
-
By virtue of the Act on child welfare and visitation rights and amendment of the Guardianship Act, both parents are granted equal rights of child guardianship regardless of gender or marital status

1984
-
Amendment of the Nationality Act gives women and men the same rights in determining the citizenship of children

1985
-
Act on Home Care Allowance for Children

1986
-
Finland ratifies the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
- By virtue of the new Surname Act, for the joint surname spouses may choose either the wife's or the husband's surname, or they may each retain the surname they have when entering into marriage
- Children have equal rights to each parent's surname

1987
-
The Equality Act forbids gender-based discrimination in general and especially in working life, and compels the authorities and employers to promote equality

1988
-
Women become eligible for the priesthood in the Finnish Evangelical-Lutheran Church

1990
-
Children under 3 years old are guaranteed a place in municipal daycare
- Women became eligible for the post of Bishop in the Finnish Evangelical-Lutheran Church

1994
-
Rape within marriage becomes a criminal offence

1995
-
Partial reform of the Equality Act; a 40-60 per cent quota is set for the State committees and municipal bodies
- Act on women's voluntary national service
- Assault within the family transferred to come under public prosecution

*published originally in Socius Finland 4-97
translated by Sheryl Hinkkanen