By Chioma Obinagwam
Social media, mostly X, was agog with remarks from the Finnish government and other social activists in honour of the equality icon, Minna Canth.
Confiance News gathered from X on Tuesday.
The Finnish government was the first to celebrate Canth. Taking to their official X handle, it said:
Flags fly today in Finland in honour of Minna Canth and Day of Equality. 🇫🇮
Minna Canth (1844–1897) was a writer and defender of equality. Her thoughts on indivisible human rights, freedom and justice are always topical.
According to an X user, Sanjee #GoodGovernance, “Today on March 19, flags fly in 🇫🇮Finland for both equality & author Minna Canth (1844-97), widely acknowledged as Finland’s first significant female writer. She drew social issues into her writings & also championed women’s rights. đź“ť”
Corroborating, another X user, Belen Sapag M. said: ‘”Everything else but not that sleeping, half-dead life.”
Coping with loss, a Finnish friend introduced me to the writings of #MinnaCanth
She inspired me to carry on & gave my first visit to #Kuopio a very special meaning.’
Finnish artist, Minna Pietarinen, was not left out, having launched her “I was born a girl” exhibition, she dedicated one of her paintings to Minna Canth.
Why celebrate Minna Canth?
Minna Canth Day, celebrated on March 19th, is a significant date in Finland, marking the birthday of the esteemed writer and social activist Minna Canth. Born on March 19, 1844, Canth was a trailblazer in Finnish literature and a staunch advocate for women’s rights and social equality. Her literary works often addressed the societal issues of her time, especially concerning the empowerment of women.
In 2024, Minna Canth Day will not only commemorate what would have been her 180th birthday but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in society. Canth’s legacy continues to inspire and challenge us to address the inequalities that persist in modern times.
Espoo, a city in Finland, has taken significant steps to honor Canth’s legacy by closely monitoring equality and discrimination issues through its Commission for Equality, established in 1981. The commission’s work includes the TASSU Award, which recognizes local actions that promote equality and non-discrimination.
As we reflect on Minna Canth’s contributions, it is essential to recognize that while progress has been made, the journey towards a fully equal society is ongoing. The celebration of Minna Canth Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for social justice and equality for all.
Minna Canth’s influence remains strong, and her courage to speak out for women’s rights and equality has laid a solid foundation for the battles still being fought today. On Minna Canth Day, the Finnish flag is traditionally flown, and the day is used as an opportunity to assess our progress and recommit to the work that remains to be done.
Equality Day in Finland, also known as Minna Canth Day, is not just a day to remember a historical figure but a day to celebrate the progress made and to inspire further action towards a society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
