Equality & Non-Discrimination

Equality and non-discrimination work in the city of Oulu

The City of Oulu promotes the equality and non-dicrimination of its residents and customers in all of its services and activities.

The City of Oulu has approved the European Charter for Equality by the decision of the City Board in 2009. With its signature, the City of Oulu has publicly committed to promoting equality. The City of Oulu wants to increase the residents’ wellbeing by also promoting equality and non-discrimination.

The Non-Discrimination Act, which transformed in 2015, requires municipalities to promote non-dicrimination in a goal-oriented way. The Act on Equality Between Men and Women requires that municipalities promote equality between sexes in a goal-oriented way in all of its activities. After 2015, the act’s purpose is also to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression.

Most schools in Oulu have also created their individual plans for equality and non-discrimination. In schools, the plans have been designed through themes suitable for each grade.

Equality and non-discrimination work is executed on all City of Oulu administrative branches, whose activities are guided by the Operational Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination.

Photographer: Sanna Krook

The Operational Plan for Equality and Non-Dicrimination 2022-2026 concerning the services of the City Oulu

The Operational Plan for Equality and Non-Dicrimination 2022-2026 concerning the services of the City Oulu has been approved at the City Board meeting on 13 June 2022 § 189 (in Finnish).

The plan includes branch-specific objectives and measures in accordance to the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman’s guidelines.

The City of Oulu Operational Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2022-26 (in Finnish)

Branch-specific Measure Charts 2022-2026 (in Finnish)

The plan in English

The City of Oulu Operational Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2022–2026

Different language versions of the introduction of the plan

Language versions

Introduction in plain English

This is the City of Oulu’s plan on equality and non-discrimination. The plan has been made for years 2022-2026. The plan helps us to improve the equality and non-discrimination of the people in the city. When people are equal, they feel well. Equality is important in order for human rights to be fulfilled. Often, promoting equality and non-discrimination means small and ordinary acts.

In addition to this, a separate plan has been made for city employees.

What do equality and non-discrimination mean?

Equality means that all sexes and genders are equal with each other. Everyone is allowed to dress how they want and express themselves through it.

Non-discrimination means that every person should be treated the same way. People’s age, place of birth, language, religion, opinion, state of health or sexual orientation should not affect how they are treated.

The Finnish law states that municipalities must reduce discrimination of people. For example, some people might have difficulties in visiting the library or in learning new things. Then, the city must give them different tools and help in order for them to be able to use the service. The City of Oulu also wishes to improve this cause.

The plan has been created together

The purpose of this plan is to improve equality and non-dicrimination in Oulu. The plan has been made in cooperation with employees. Different surveys and trainings were organized for it. The topic was also discussed in groups.

The plan contains the following matters:

Challenges regarding equality and non-discrimination.

Legislation and instructions that might be helpful in work.

City employees whose job includes promoting equality.

Instructions on how to improve equality and non-discrimination.

Charts where city employees have had the opportunity to write their own objectives.