Equality Ombudsman questions gender balance in economic stabilization task force in Lahti

The Equality Ombudsman is seeking clarification regarding the formation of a task force aimed at stabilizing the economy in Lahti. Of the ten members in the economic stabilization steering group, only two are women. When including the deputy members, the gender ratio among the 20 total members is still unbalanced, with only six women. The group was appointed in April.

According to equality legislation, municipal bodies must include a minimum of 40 percent representation from both genders. Pasi Karjalainen, the chair of the steering group, admitted that the issue of gender equality was not addressed during the group’s establishment. “I must acknowledge that there has been a minor ethical issue here. Even though the steering group lacked decision-making power, I take responsibility and apologize for not being more proactive in ensuring that the group met gender equality standards. More women would have been beneficial in this group,” Karjalainen stated.

City manager Niko Kyynäräinen suggests responding to the Equality Ombudsman by clarifying that the steering group does not constitute a municipal body as per the equality law. He explained that the group was established for political guidance and did not have authority over economic stabilization decisions. Nevertheless, the city council approved the steering group’s economic stabilization proposal at the end of May.

Initially, the steering group presented an alternative proposal to the city board, with Karjalainen noting they aimed to identify savings of 50 million euros. While the city board had its own financial adjustment proposal, the steering group did not support the exploration of selling Lahti Energia. Ultimately, after the voting, the steering group’s proposal received the most backing in the council and became the guideline for economic stabilization. Karjalainen commented in the spring that there was no rush to join the steering group, which he described as an uncomfortable role. The group was formed after the previous economic stabilization plan failed due to political disagreements over the potential sale of Lahti Energia.