Finland welcomeshe the adoption of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We support its speedy ratification and entry into force. In Finland the ratification will be concluded in a few months' time. Mr. President, Almost a hundred years ago, Finland was the first country in the world to give women full political rights. Today we have a female President and a female Speaker of the Parliament.
Women are well represented in political life at all levels.
The quota provisions have had a dramatic effect on women's participation at local level. The quota system requires a minimum of 40 percentages of both men and women in governmental and municipal bodies. Equality between women and men in Finland is based upon full and equal realisation of all human rights. I would especially stress the right to work, the right to universal and individual social security and the right to health, including sexual and reproductive rights as well as mental health. The right to education is a crucial factor in the promotion of equality between men and women.