Finland is a multicultural country where people immigrate to and emigrate from, for reasons related to work, family, study, or shelter. It is becoming more and more common to have residence in several countries at the same time, as an increasing amount of people have family members with transnational ties. Society must accommodate multilingualism and cultural diversity. When we speak about immigrant integration, we refer to a holistic process of settling in and becoming accepted as an active part of society. In Väestöliitto, we build humane and inclusive society.  

Väestöliitto, The Family Federation of Finland, seeks to improve the well-being of people and the population to create healthy, secure, happy, and balanced lives. This is achieved through research, services and advocacy. Our work centers on improving the relationship skills of families and couples, whilst keeping a strong focus on equality and on reaching sustainable demographic growth.

Väestöliitto offers services in the support of parenthood, relationships, and the growth of children and young people. We promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the succesful integration of immigrants. We influence the social well-being, sexual rights, health, security and equality of families, young people, and children.

• We support people in recognising personal resources and solve questions regarding relationships as well as help with coping and crises
• We secure balanced growth for children and young people
• We boost the confidence people and communities have on their personal resources
• We provide scientific data, skills, and hope for societal change
• We influence the sexual health and rights of families and the whole population as well as the appreciation of diversity in Finland and internationally.

Väestöliitto supports family-centered immigrant integration and labour market inclusion. Since 2003 Väestöliitto has trained thousands of professionals and supported immigrants on the topics of integration and parenthood. Our activities include counselling in parenting and family issues, Womento career mentoring for highly educated migrant women, developing new working methods to enhance inclusion in the labour market, training and materials for immigrant integration, for example on sexual rights, and cooperation and advocacy together with other organisations, companies, municipalities and public authorities. Our work is founded on research and human rights-based values.

Womento mentoring is goal-oriented career mentoring for migrant women in Finland. We support migrant women with higher education in finding employment which matches their educational background and work experience. Womento career mentoring supports participants in increased labour market participation, professional language skills and social inclusion. Mentoring programmes also contribute to increased labour market inclusivity and social receptiveness to migrant professionals. Womento mentoring is in Finnish.

The next applications period opens in august.

Video on Womento career mentoring.

You can read more about the 2020 Väestöliitto Population Policy Programme.

Writer: Pilvi Aro Marques

Reference: Väestöliitto