Immigrant Women’s Fundamental Rights in Finland: How some Finnish Laws Affect Immigrant women. A True Tale of Hope and Freedom in the 21st Century

Fundamental rights of Women.

Feminist. This is one word that has thrown me into a big bowl of uncertainty. Just to be clear, this is not a feminist post or propaganda. So read on. As much as I have come to love and uphold what it seeks to achieve, I find myself wondering if I can accurately identify with all honesty if that name tag is stamped onto my forehead.  Looking at the current wave of extremities all in the name of Feminism, the answer is No. Some time ago, I wrote a blog post titled: Feminism Today; Exactly Where Does The Strength Of A Woman Lie?. You can check it out later. 

So now let us get back to talking about the Fundamental rights of women, especially immigrant women in Finland.

I am of the firm believe that Equality should not be confused with Similarity. Men and women are wired differently: physically and emotionally. But note, not mentally, although some research has found that there are differences in the brain anatomy of a man as compared to that of a woman. Nevertheless, gender does not affect the capacity of the brain in any way. Correct me if i am wrong. The message that most feminists seek to send across is clear; Women are independent, free beings, possessing full Fundamental rights as distinct individuals, and equal in all ramifications with men.

As common place and normal as this may sound to some women, to others, it is only a dream that may never come true. Apart from serving as an opportunity to leave behind a life of hunger, limitations, insecurity or war, as the case may be, Immigration has also, without doubt, opened doors to civilization and awareness by ushering in an era of self awakening and liberation. For many, it is an escape route  to Freedom; freedom from that which enslaved their bodies and minds. It is that very Freedom that many European countries offer in their enriched laws concerning women and their Fundamental rights.

For instance, life in Finland offers much to be desired in terms of women’s rights and gender equality as compared to developing countries, especially those from where most of the women with immigrant backgrounds come from. And in this same package comes numerous Fundamental rights which allows such a woman to do certain things for yourself without fear of being ostracized by the public. For once in her life, she is a free thinker, making decisions for herself and holding the keys to her own destiny.

”Lauantaina kirjastolla puhutaan naisten oikeuksista ja siitä, miten miestenkin tulee niitä edistää. Asiaa edistävät Intisar Mushaileh, Nafisa Yeasmin ja Olivia Kumpula.” Lapin Kansa

For many immigrant women this is a ray of sunshine, especially to those coming from a culture where the man is seen as superior and better than the woman, ruling over everything including the woman’s body. It is sweet to breathe in the air which some of these laws have, like the compulsory education for children irrespective of their sex, the zero tolerance for girl child early marriage, the ban on female genital cutting, and so on. Below is a video where this was discussed and also how to promote social participation  amongst immigrant women (Post continues below the video).

These are still happening in some of these countries and their complete eradication is still a tiny dot in the distant future. But for that woman who has escaped from all that and has finally learnt to speak up for herself, life in Finland is not only freedom for herself but for her children. There are many things which she has gone through that cannot be erased, or the things done to her body that cannot be undone…

But it is with a full heart of gratitude that she looks at her daughters, knowing that they will have a different childhood from hers, and a better future for themselves, educated and intact. It is like looking at an unlimited ball of potentials, and it is this image that we hold dear to our hearts.

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