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Tasa-arvo

Equality

Equality is a basic right that ensures non-discrimination and equal opportunities to all human beings regardless of sex, ethnic origin, language, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or other personal characteristics.

In an equal studying and working community, everyone has the opportunity to act without discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression or other personal characteristics. Authorities, education providers and employers must have a plan for the necessary measures to promote equality.

The University of Vaasa equality plan covers the measures needed to promote gender equality as well as the statutory obligations stated in the non-discrimination act. The central goal of the university equality plan is to reinforce an equality-positive atmosphere and to effectively communicate equality matters to the students and personnel of the university. The University of Vaasa Equality Work Group is updating the University of Vaasa equality plan.

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The Big Heart award

The Big Heart award may be given to a person or a group that has promoted equality in the university community, for example:

  • by treating all colleagues, students and everyone else as individuals during everyday activities and encounters
  • by taking others into consideration during conversations and interactions e.g. through the choice of language and topic, thereby ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to join in and feels welcome as a member of the university community.

Any member of the university community may nominate a member of the university community or a person or group from outside the community whose activities are closely tied to the University of Vaasa as recipient of the award. Nominations for the award are submitted to the equality work group, which will process the nominations and propose an award winner to the rector. 

The Big Heart award was given the first time in December 2018, when the award was given to Professor Seppo Niemi. The next award was given to the Student Union of the University of Vaasa on Valentine's Day 2020 and in 2021 University lecturer Sirpa Heino was awarded with the Big Heart award. The Big Heart award of 2022 was given to HR and Management Services assistant Tiina Jokinen.

The Big Heart award 2023 was exceptionally given out two awards, the Dean of the School of Marketing and Communication, Arto Rajala and the Specialist in Student Interests for The Student Union of the University of Vaasa, Elli Uusi-Kokko.

Also, in 2024 there were two persons who received the Big Heart award. They were the Director of the Digital Economy Research Platform Heidi Kuusniemi and the Head of Study Services Sanna Kotajärvi-Söderholm.

Contact persons

Equality Representative Johanna Haveri, Occupational Safety Manager Ilpo Ojala, Occupational Safety and Health Representative Anne-Mari Latva, Labour Protection Manager Elina Kaunismäki

Kuva
Johanna Haveri

Johanna Haveri

Project Manager
Digital Economy
firstname.lastname@uwasa.fi
Puhelin
+358294498332
Toimisto
Ankkuri K214
Open profile page
Kuva
Ilpo Ojala

Ilpo Ojala

Senior Special Advisor
University Services, Executive Strategy and Policy Services
firstname.lastname@uwasa.fi
Puhelin
+358294498339
Toimisto
Fabriikki F327
Open profile page
Kuva
Anne-Mari Latva

Anne-Mari Latva

IT Technician
University Services, IT Services
firstname.lastname@uwasa.fi
Puhelin
+358294498054
Toimisto
Ankkuri
Open profile page
Kuva
Elina Kaunismäki

Elina Kaunismäki

HR and Executive Services
University Services, HR and Executive Services
firstname.lastname@uwasa.fi
Puhelin
+358294498072
Toimisto
Torni 4. floor
Open profile page

Student Union harassment contact person

hairintayhdyshlo@vyy.fi