Saarikko leads Finnish delegation in UNCSW

Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Annika Saarikko is leading the Finnish delegation in the 62nd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) begun in New York from March 12 to 23, said an official press release.

The priority theme is the empowerment of rural women and girls. The review theme is women’s participation in and access to the media and information and communications technologies.

Finland’s priorities at the meeting are the political participation of women, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and equal access to basic services.

Work should also be done to promote the rights of women and girls with disabilities and the rights of indigenous peoples.

The Finnish delegation is composed of members of parliament, civil servants from various ministers and representatives of civil society organisations.

Besides delivering Finland’s national statement in the session, Minister Saarikko will participate in joint Nordic and EU events and meet UN leaders and other ministers responsible for equality issues.

She will speak at a side event organised by Finland on combatting sexist hate speech on the internet.

“Sexist hate speech online affects the equal political participation of women. This is why we must combat hate speech, as well as all kinds of violence against women”, Minister Saarikko said.