Issues related to work-based immigration have recently received a lot of press coverage, inciting a lively debate about the bottlenecks in the internationalization of Finnish working life. Again this week, we saw the CEO of a major company speaking out about the untenable bureaucratic hurdles international experts face when applying for residence permit in Finland (Iltalehti, 12th September 2021).
The decision-makers have identified the need to invest in the international attractiveness of the Finnish labor market - driven by the increasing need for skilled labour in the years to come. A series of policy-driven programs, such as Talent Boost and the working life diversity programme (description sheet in English on page 5) as well as the new road map for education- and work-based immigration are already up and running with the aim to strengthen Finland’s position in the global competition for international experts and students.
The practical stumbling blocks in entering the Finnish job market are more than familiar to the international members of Mothers in Business as described in our recent press release. There is much to be done in improving inclusiveness, eliminating discriminatory recruitment practices and improving the career opportunities of international professionals living in Finland. Change is only possible through multi-stakeholder cooperation and the NGO sector has an important role to play. Through the MiB International project, Mothers in Business network now joins forces with its partner organizations in the efforts to promote the diversification of Finnish working life.
How will MiB International project go on to promote the cause of international career-oriented mothers in Finland?
At the beginning of September, I started working as the manager of the MiB International project, and my first working weeks have been a deep dive into MiB's work as a change-maker for a more equal and family-friendly working life. I was familiar with MiB’s offering and advocacy work from a member’s perspective, but the behind-the-scenes view has made me appreciate even more all the amazing opportunities for competence development that lie in this impactful peer network - thanks to all the dedicated work of our volunteers! It is through the efforts of our active international mothers that MiB International was born and piloted in the last year or so - a great example of a successful MiB Lab-project that has really taken off! With the help of the three-year project funding received from the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA), we can now offer more solid support for the development of diverse peer-to-peer activities also in English.
Developing existing MiB modes of operation to meet the needs of international career-oriented mothers living in Finland and engaging in societal advocacy towards a more inclusive and equal Finnish working life are the core objectives of the project. On a more practical level, MiB International will provide a platform for peer support, opportunities for professional competence development and network building between international and Finnish career-oriented moms. Establishing connections between those just entering the labor market with more experienced peers has already been identified as a crucial way to open doors to the Finnish labor market. Herein lies one of the particular strenghts that Mothers in Business has to offer. Importantly, it is not a one-way street - MiB International activities open up interesting “internationalization at home” and intercultural learning opportunities also for Finnish members and actives. The focus is on inspiring and competence-enhancing peer activities - working together in a true MiB spirit. My wish is that MiB International will also bring new ideas to MiB's already-established operations as well as a fresh, bottom-up-driven contribution to the work carried out by the Finnish NGO sector.
What are the next steps?
In the upcoming months, the project team will dedicate time in creating a solid foundation for MiB International in close cooperation with the actives already engaged. This means ensuring we have well-functioning processes in English for welcoming new international members and volunteers as well as making guidelines and other important documents available in English. There will also be English-language events and contents produced during the fall, as well as communications in both Finnish and English about the project in order to raise awareness among internationals, Finnish MiB members, stakeholders and the general public.
Will you join us in making Mothers in Business more diverse, equal and international?
Want to read more? See also a shorter version of this blog in Finnish or an earlier blog post about the biggest problem internationals face in the Finnish job market and 3 ways to solve it.
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The blog post was written by Kajsa Ekroos, who works as the manager of MiB International project at the MiB Helsinki office. Kajsa has a background in managing international cooperation projects in the higher education, research and innovation field. She’s the mother of a bicultural teen and spends her free time on the yoga mat or watching Marvel movies with her daughter.
Coordinator Viivi Kuja-Kyyny has just joined the MiB International team. Viivi has years of experience working in NGOs in the sports field, volunteering and volunteer coordination. She will work both with MiB International and with the volunteers in the metropolitan area of Helsinki. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and doing sports.
Contact us!
Kajsa Ekroos
Project Manager
kajsa.ekroos(a)mib.fi
044 706 4675
Viivi Kuja-Kyyny
Coordinator
viivi.kuja-kyyny(a)mib.fi
Mothers in Business (MiB) is a nationwide network that supports career-oriented mothers in balancing work and family. Our aim is to provide opportunities for skills development, networking and career advancement. Currently, we have over 4000 members and hundreds of volunteers throughout Finland.
