27 Finnish Sporting Organisations Unite to Champion Gender Equity, Sign Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration 

In an historic demonstration of collective action, 27 leading sporting organisations from across Finland have joined forces to champion gender equity by signing IWG's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

This multi-signing event marks a powerful milestone in Finland’s ongoing commitment to leveling the playing field. The nation has long been a trailblazer in this space, having proudly hosted the 2014 IWG World Conference where the original 1994 Brighton Declaration was updated to become the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration – ensuring its principles remain a catalyst for change in a modern sporting landscape.

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

By making this formal commitment, these 27 organisations join a movement of over 600 signatories dedicated to turning global principles into local action. Together, they are building momentum to develop a sporting culture that enables, empowers, and values the full involvement of women and girls at every level of sport and physical activity.

Annamarie Phelps, Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG), said:

"We are thrilled to welcome such a diverse and influential coalition of Finnish sporting organisations to our global movement. Engaging with the IWG is about taking action, sharing learning, and building momentum together. This collective signing demonstrates a unified commitment to creating a sporting system where all women and girls can thrive.”

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

These 27 organisations span the breadth of the Finnish sports sector, from grassroots clubs and national federations to elite research institutions. Each brings their own established projects and long-term initiatives dedicated to supporting women and girls. This collective signing is a formalisation of their ongoing, everyday commitment to drive tangible change on the ground.

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Markku Sistonen, President, Etelä-Suomen Liikunta ja Urheilu r.y. (Sports Federation of Southern Finland): 

"We believe sport should be accessible and equal for everyone, and equity in sport is not just a goal for us, it is part of our everyday work. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration we are proud to make this commitment visible and join a global movement for change."

Vesa Linnamo, Dean, Jyväskylän yliopiston liikuntatieteellinen tiedekunta (Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä): 

"Advancing gender equity in sport is integral to our mission to promote learning, wellbeing, and sustainable societal impact through high-quality education and research. By becoming a signatory, we commit to translating our values of equality, inclusion, and responsibility into concrete, evidence-based action in sport, physical activity, research and education."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Anna Wahren, President, Finlands Svenska Gymnastikförbund r.f. (Finlands Svenska Gymnastikförbund): 

"We sign this declaration to reinforce our commitment to a community where everyone can thrive. By sharing our collective strength across club borders, we ensure a sustainable and equitable arena for women and girls to lead and grow."

Thomas Blomqvist, President, Finlands Svenska Idrott r.f. (Finland's Swedish Sports): 

"Gender equality in sport does not happen by chance, it requires commitment and action. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, Finlands Svenska Idrott wants to help move that work forward and encourage others to do the same."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Otto Simosas, CEO, Finlands Svenska Orienteringsförbund r.f. (Finnish-Swedish Orienteering Federation): 

"By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration we want to be part of this great movement!"

Glenn Lindholm, CEO, Finlands Svenska Skidförbund FSS r.f. (Finland Swedish Ski Association): 

"Our slogan in cross-country skiing is: 'As many as possible, as long as possible.' This is especially important among girls and women and we have succeeded to involve women longer both as athletes and staff in our sport."

Tiina Kuikka, CEO, Suomen Cheerleadingliitto r.y. (Finnish Cheerleading Federation): 

"As a federation representing one of Finland's most popular sports for girls and women, we are committed to creating safe, empowering and inclusive environments where athletes can truly be themselves. Being an IWG signatory strengthens our shared mission to advance gender equity in sport and to ensure that female athletes and leaders are visible, valued and supported."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Toni Kallio, President, Suomen Valmentajat r.y. (Finnish Coaches Association): 

"Gender equity is essential to good coaching and a better sporting culture. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, the Finnish Coaches Association joins a global movement and strengthens its long-term commitment to making coaching and sport more inclusive for all."

Anu Stör, Chair of Equality Committee, Suomen Judoliitto r.y. (Finnish Judo Federation): 

"Sport and especially judo is for everyone. That's why we want to sign this declaration."

Peter Rolin, CEO, Suomen Monikulttuurinen Liikuntaliitto r.y. (Finnish Multicultural Sports Federation): 

"For us, gender equity in sport means that every woman and girl, regardless of their background, has a safe and accessible opportunity to experience the joy of movement. Being a signatory matters to us because it reinforces our commitment to promoting diversity and gives women with immigrant backgrounds a voice within this global movement."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Sari Rautio, Chair, Suomen Paralympiakomitea r.y. (Finnish Paralympic Committee): 

"Gender equality is constantly being challenged, and developments around the world show that continuous work for equality is needed. According to studies, the position of girls and women with disabilities is particularly vulnerable, which is why we at the Paralympic Committee want to promote opportunities for girls and women to participate everywhere."

Matleena Livson, CEO, Liikuntatieteellinen Seura r.y. (Finnish Society of Sport Sciences): 

"Structural change within the culture of physical activity and sport can be achieved when evidence-based knowledge strongly supports decision-making, leadership, and public discussion. We contribute to the promotion of gender equality by providing the necessary knowledge through our publications, events, projects, and multichannel communications."

Silja Ranta, Senior Development Manager, Suomen Tennisliitto r.y. (Finnish Tennis Association): 

"Gender equity is a core value for the Finnish Tennis Association and is reflected in everything we do, from grassroots tennis to elite competition. This commitment strengthens our long-term focus on equal opportunities and strong role models for women and girls in tennis."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Malin von Koskull, CEO, Folkhälsans förbund r.f. (Public Health Federation): 

"We are committed to creating a sports environment where all girls have equal opportunities to participate, develop, and thrive. Becoming a signatory represents a clear stance in working for gender-equal treatment in sports and physical education."

Arto Kuusisto, CEO, Huippu-urheilun instituutti KIHU (Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport): 

"Gender equity in sport requires both knowledge and action – KIHU is committed to providing both. Signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration strengthens our contribution to creating more equal and sustainable sport systems."

Heidi Bucht, CEO, Monikansallisten naisten hyvinvointi ja liikunta r.y. (Wellbeing and Sports for Multicultural Women): 

"For Monaliiku, equality means that every woman can move as herself without fear of discrimination. Signing this declaration is our promise to keep working until the world of sports is truly open and accessible to everyone."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Marita Mattila, President, Mäntyharjun Virkistys r.y. (Mäntyharju Recreation Association): 

"At Mäntyharjun Virkistys, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone in our community to participate in sport and physical activity within our club. Signing the declaration is an essential part of our sustainability programme."

Raino Nieminen, CEO, Suomen Ammattivalmentajat SAVAL r.y. (Professional Coaches of Finland): 

"We are committed to advancing gender equity in sport by promoting fair working conditions, strengthening the professional pathway for women coaches, and building safer, more inclusive coaching environments."

Saku Nikkanen, President, Suomen Työväen Urheiluliitto TUL r.y. (Finnish Workers' Sport Federation): 

"One of our main goals is to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to lead an active life and access to various sport activities, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, wealth or ethnic background."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography

Birgitta Kervinen, President, Suomen Urheilujohtajaseniorit r.y., Finlands Idrottsledarseniorer r.f. (Finnish Senior Sports Managers Association, Finnish Senior Sports Leaders Association): 

"Gender equality is always important work and the responsibility of all decision makers for all generations. Senior leaders are not a reserve; they are a resource. They have the stories to tell about how it was, has been, and how it looks like now."

Karoliina Ylösjoki, President, Suomen Vastuullinen Urheilu r.y. (Sustainable Sport Finland): 

"Sports belong to everyone. Nobody owns sports. No one has the right to decide who can participate or not participate in sports. After all, it's very simple."

Mikael Nordman, CEO, Svenska Finlands Idrottsförbund r.f. (Swedish Finland Sports Federation): 

"The federation believes that everyone should have the same opportunity to participate in their sport, which is also something we actively work to promote."

Niklas Läckström, Board Member, Svenska Finlands Skolidrottsförbund r.f. (Swedish Finland School Sports Association): 

"School sport should be a place where every child feels seen, valued and included – and where a lifelong interest in physical activity can begin. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to equal opportunities for girls and boys."

Joni Stenström, CEO, Svenska Finlands Sportskytteförbund r.f. (Swedish Finland Sport Shooting Association): 

“We are committed that everyone should have equal rights to do sports. It should not, for example, be decided on your gender. Sport shooting is seen (although a lot of girls and women do sport shooting also) as a very masculine sport. So, with signing this declaration, we can show that gender equality matters.” 

Nelli-Sofia Tarvajärvi, Sports Manager, Suomen Kuurojen Urheiluliitto r.y. (The Finnish Deaf Sport Federation): 

"We believe that sport belongs to everyone. We are committed to building an inclusive and equal sporting environment where Deaf women and girls have equal opportunities to participate, lead, and succeed. This is an important step in strengthening this commitment and ensuring their full inclusion and visibility in sport and society, both nationally and internationally.”

Simo Tarvonen, CEO, Urhea-foundation: 

"Everyday actions are decisive – both on the sports field and behind the scenes. Collaboration between different people is our strength."

Riikka Juntunen, CEO, Urheiluopistosäätiö s.r. (Sport Institute Foundation): 

"Equality in sport won’t advance without challenge. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, we commit to driving systemic change so women and girls are equal – not an afterthought."

Photo credit:  Pinja Tuominen / Pinja's Photography