Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality

All genders benefit from equality and the dismantling of confined gender roles. The Council for Gender Equality’s Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality deals, in particular, with gender equality issues related to boys and men. The subcommittee serves as a forum for meeting and cooperation between experts.

The main tasks of the subcommittee include: 

  • acting as a catalyst for discussion on men’s equality policy
  • taking initiatives 
  • developing cooperation with actors working with men and boys
  • follow current research on boys, men and masculinities.

The Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality has operated continuously since 1988. 

History of the subcommittee

12th Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality (2023-2027)

Composition

  • Puheenjohtaja: Tuomas Kurttila (Social Democratic Party of Finland)
  • Varapuheenjohtaja: Ukko Bamberg (Finns Party)
  • Jussi Junni (Green League)
  • Henri Kontkin (National Coalition Party)
  • Lauri Nikula (Centre Party)

Permanent advisory bodies

  • The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters: Jussi Pullin (Aki Siltaniemi)
  • Miehet – Män – Men ry: Ville Savonlahti (Juha Seppä)
  • The Central Association for Men´s Organizations in Finland: Antti Alén (Joonas Kekkonen)
  • Miessakit Association: Tomi Timperi (Timo Syrjälä)
  • Monimuotoiset perheet – Diverse Families network: Tiina-Emilia Kaunisto (Emma Kolu)
  • The Coalition of Finnish Women’s Associations NYTKIS: Mervi Mäki-Neste (Mira Karjalainen)
  • Poikien Talo: Veli-Pekka Kilpala (Kimmo Saastamoinen)
  • Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland: Niilo Ciriaco (Pekka Rantala)
  • Finnish Association for Men’s Studies (SuMS): Jiri Nieminen (Henri Hyvönen)
  • the Family Federation of Finland / Boys' Phone (Poikien Puhelin): Antti Lahtinen (Mikko Kuronen)

Updated on 3 Feb 2025

Priorities 2023-2027

During its term, the Subcommittee on men and gender equality deals extensively with topical issues related to boys, men and masculinities. Tane's priorities with regard to digitalisation and security will be taken into account in the work.

Topics to be discussed by the sub-committee include:

  • comprehensive security and changes in the security environment, including the effects of the militarisation of society on boys, men and perceptions of masculinities of different ages
  • gaming and digital worlds and their impacts on social communities
  • impacts and manifestations of opposition to gender equality and the importance of gender equality work from the perspective of boys and men
  • equal parenthood, including men's chances of having a family with children and monitoring the effects of legislation on child custody
  • consent culture and emotional skills
  • prerequisites for special work for men and boys, including NGO funding
  • equality in working life and education, including development of learning outcomes

In addition to the above, the sub-committee monitors the preparation of key reforms and projects during the government term from the gender perspective.

Gender diversity, intersectionality and multiple discrimination are taken into account in all activities of the sub-committee.

History of the Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality

In 1986, the Council for Gender Equality established a men's studies research group. The groups’ task was to survey men's studies conducted in Finland, consider what studies should still be conducted in relation to the status, roles and image of men, and consider what related themes could be highlighted in societal discussion.

The first Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality was established in 1988 as a follow-up to the work of the men’s studies research group. Key themes discussed by the Subcommittee include gender equality, paternity, working life, men’s studies, and violence.

By international comparisons, the Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality is presumably the longest continuously operating advisory body to look at gender equality from the perspective of men. 

The history of the men’s subcommittee has been compiled in a publication written in Finnish:
Tasa-arvoasiain neuvottelukunnan miestyön historia 1988-2006 (PDF), TANE-monisteita 7/2006

Chairs of the Subcommittee on Men and Gender Equality

  • Jorma Hentilä 1988–1989
  • Antero Honkasalo 1988–1992
  • Tapani Kaakkuriniemi  1992–1995
  • Jorma Kukkonen 1996–1998
  • Anders Brunberg  1999–2001
  • Tapio Pekkola 2002–2003
  • Tapio Pekkola 2004–2007 (Mies- ja mediajaosto)
  • Kari Uotila 2007–2011, 2011–2015
  • Jirka Hakala 2015–2019
  • Matias Mäkynen 2019–2023
  • Tuomas Kurttila 2023–