written by Maija Tuomola, Teacher, Lounais-Hämeen koulutuskuntayhtymä
What does equality mean to you?
How does equality appear in your everyday life, your dreams, and your hopes?
Do you have to think about it or work to make it happen?
We are all in very different positions when answering these questions.
Many of us carry thoughts like “if only…”, “I wish it were possible…” or “if only things were different.” We recognize the need for change, but at the same time we know that an individual cannot always change things alone. We need other people, a sense of community, hope, and shared goals. We need actions—both small and big—that can advance equality in our own lives and environments. And we need role models who can show the way.
“Freedom, equality, love – will they ever come true in this wretched world?” — Minna Canth
Minna Canth was ahead of her time as a defender of equality and social change. She was not content merely reflecting on injustices; she actively worked to turn thoughts into action. Equality, justice, and the rights of minorities and those in weaker positions were matters close to her heart.
Canth was a writer, journalist, businesswoman, and above all a social influencer. She is considered a pioneer of Finnish equality thinking, as she boldly raised concerns about the position of women, the poor, and the working class. She was one of the first Finnish women to publicly and visibly defend women’s rights.
A central part of her thinking was the importance of education. Canth firmly believed that knowledge and education form the foundation of equality—the key that gives people the opportunity to influence their own lives and society.
In Finland, we celebrate the day of Minna Canth and the day of equality on 19 March. However, the world is not yet equal. On the contrary: research shows that the status of women has deteriorated in many places globally, opinions have become more polarized, and conflicts have increased. At the same time, young people’s sense of optimism about the future is being tested by various uncertainties—economic, environmental, and securityrelated.
This is precisely the kind of time when we need the thinking of Minna Canth: courage, valuebased leadership, and the desire to build a better society together.
“Life is a struggle, a wonderful struggle.” — Minna Canth (19 March 1844 – 12 May 1897)
Who do you think could be the Minna Canth of 2026?
Who acts as a guide in our time, builds connection between people, and keeps community values alive?
In Conclusion
Minna Canth reminds us that equality does not emerge on its own—it is created by people who dare to see injustice and work to change it. Every era needs new Minna Canths: people who ask difficult questions, defend the vulnerable, and believe that society can be more equitable than it is today.
References:
- https://www.sananlaskuja.fi/sanoja/minna-canth
- https://minnacanthinseurassa.org/tietoa-minna-canthista/