Equality Week runs from March 17th to 21st – Discover the programme and themes of the week

This year, Equality Week will focus on important themes of gender equality, anti-racism, diverse learners, responsible interaction, and inclusive language.
My UniOulu is equal teksti sekä logo, jossa on ihmisiä piirissä

At the University of Oulu, a diverse community of students and staff benefits from ongoing efforts to enhance their inclusion and equality. We work diligently to promote equality and inclusivity, aiming to embed these principles in all university activities.

Welcome to the Equality Week events

The University’s Equality Week takes place from 17th to 21st March, during which we celebrate Minna Canth Day, also known as Equality Day (19th March), the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21st March), and the International Nowruz Day (21st March). Explore the full Equality Week programme.

Diverse learners

One in five individuals in Finland faces challenges related to learning. These challenges may manifest in for example reading, writing, perception, or concentration. Learning difficulties do not prevent success in studies and work, and they can be addressed through, for example, individual study arrangements. Various tools and aids can also be beneficial in facilitating and managing studies and work tasks. Come and learn more about the topic at the Equality Week pop-up and at the lecture by The Finnish Diverse Learners’ Association.

Tips for responsible interaction and inclusive language

We can contribute to creating a safe and comfortable learning and working environment through responsible interaction, thus promoting the inclusion of all members of the university community. Inclusive language is considerate and respectful of the diverse backgrounds and characteristics of community members. Inclusive communication aims to recognise and avoid normative assumptions in language use that may lead to marginalisation.

Tips for responsible interaction:

  • Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak and be heard in the discussion.
  • Listen without interrupting or starting side discussions.
  • Be curious and open; avoid judging or making assumptions.
  • Respect others’ experiences and self-definitions. Avoid generalising your own experiences and making assumptions about others’ lives or identities.
  • Ask, if you do not quite understand.
  • Take time to reflect, be present, and make room for incompleteness.

Tips for inclusive language:

  • Clear language is often also inclusive. Think about whether you can replace difficult terms by saying things in more general terms.
  • In Finnish, the pronoun hän does not differentiate between genders, but in English the pronouns she/her, he/his, they/them are used. If there is no need to differentiate between genders or if there is no certainty, use the pronouns they/them. Respect the pronoun the person uses/desires to use.
  • If possible, replace gendered terms with equivalent neutral terms.
  • Speak only of what is relevant: if the person's ethnicity, nationality, gender or other characteristic is not relevant to the context, it should not be mentioned.

More tips on responsible interaction and inclusive language can be found on the oulu.fi diversity, equity and inclusion web page.

Welcome to join us in celebrating Equality Week!

Last updated: 5.3.2025