MINISTER SILLANPÄÄ

Today, flags are hoisted to honor Miina Sillanpää’s Day and the Day of the Citizen Participation.

Picture: The funeral of Miina Sillanpää in front of the Old Church of Helsinki in 1952. – Kannisto Väinö / Helsinki City Museum

Miina Sillanpää (1866-1952) was Finland’s first female minister and known as a key figure of the workers’ movement. She served 38 years as a member of the parliament, tirelessly promoting social matters and values she believed in. She worked continuously to improve women’s position in society.

In the ‘30s Sillanpää was active in creating women’s shelters and she was a strong advocate for women’s working rights.