information


Key Consepts of Our Work

To implement safer spaces in practice, it is essential to understand the related concepts. These concepts help clarify what the principles of safer spaces and harassment contact person activities aim to prevent and the types of situations they are designed to address.

Equity

Equity refers to every individual’s right to equal and non-discriminatory treatment, regardless of personal characteristics such as age, ethnic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors. The goal of equity is to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and responsibilities for everyone. In Finland, equity is legally protected by the Equality Act, which aims to prevent discrimination and promote the rights of all individuals in society.

Equality

Equality specifically relates to fairness between genders. It means that everyone has the same opportunities and rights, regardless of whether they are women, men, or of another gender. In Finland, equality is legally protected by the Gender Equality Act, which aims to prevent gender-based discrimination and promote gender equality in areas such as employment and education.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a concept that refers to how different social identities—such as gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and disability—intertwine and shape an individual’s experiences and position in society. People’s experiences are not determined by a single factor, like gender or ethnicity, but by multiple factors simultaneously, which influence one another. Intersectionality helps to understand how various forms of discrimination can affect individuals differently and encourages us to create fairer and more just societies for everyone.


Discrimination

Discrimination refers to unfair treatment where individuals or groups are treated unequally based on personal characteristics such as age, skin color, beliefs, or nationality. In Finland, discrimination is regulated by the Equality Act, which guarantees everyone the same rights and opportunities to participate in society without fear of discrimination or unfair treatment. Discrimination can be direct, such as through prejudiced attitudes or offensive comments, or indirect, through unequal practices or rules that exclude certain individuals. Discrimination is prohibited by law and international human rights agreements, as it can significantly and negatively impact a person’s social standing and well-being.


Harrasment

Harassment is defined in the Equality Act as a form of discrimination. The law describes harassment as behavior that intentionally or effectively violates a person’s or group’s dignity. Harassment is unwelcome behavior or actions that cause discomfort, distress, anxiety, or fear for the person subjected to it. Harassment can be verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, or written.

Sexual Harrasment

Sexual harassment is a form of harassment with a sexual nature or targeting a person’s gender. It can include suggestive remarks, jokes, or comments about someone’s body or clothing, as well as unwanted physical contact. Sexual harassment can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or public spaces, and can have significant psychological and emotional effects on its victims.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a crime involving sexual harassment where a person’s autonomy is violated either verbally or physically. This can include making someone feel fear or danger due to sexual acts or coercing them into unwanted sexual activities. Sexual assault may involve physical violence or threats. It often leaves deep emotional scars on victims and can severely impact their well-being and sense of safety in the long term.

Violence

Violence can take many forms, including physical and psychological. Perpetrators of violence seek to control their victims and achieve their goals at the expense of the victims’ well-being. Violence is legally defined as a crime, including psychological violence.