Democracy entails respect for different choices in arranging one’s life. There is a variety of equally dignified ways of being a woman, man, and a human being.

Even though equality has progressed in many ways in Finland, a number of deficiencies remain. Female salaries are still lower than male ones. The financial burden of parenthood is still carried by the employers of women. The rights of families still depend on the sexual orientation of parents. For many disabled people, an independent life is still a distant dream. This must not go on. Equality must be a thoroughgoing element in all decision-making.