Holidays in Finland - Equality Day (Minna Canth`s Day) (Tasa-arvon paiva, Minna Canth`s Day)

At the end of the 19th century, an amazing woman lived in Finland - Minna Kant. She was famous for her artistic literary works, being in the position of a rather poor woman, she still devoted a lot of her time, describing the life and way of life of a modern resident of her country. Minna Kant had five children; she had to raise them by working in her father's store, since her husband soon died. Over time, the store began to belong to her. However, she became famous for her literary works that depicted the hardships of Finnish women. Thanks to her condition, various kinds of intelligentsia of the country entered her house. This probably played a certain role, the writer’s thoughts were listened to, her works were read, and a decree was issued in the country that allowed women to vote in the Grand Duchy of Finland from 1906. It is thanks to this that March 19, Minna Kant’s birthday, is celebrated as Equality Day in the country. Another name for this day is Minna Kant Day. At that time, it was quite a rare occurrence for a representative of the fair sex to declare her rights and raise the issue of the oppression of women. This great woman achieved her goal - with her works she helped the people of the country to realize equality between men and women. Glorifying the difficult lot of women, speaking in her articles and books about their oppression, she ensured that they started talking about this problem. It is interesting that equality in elections in the Grand Duchy of Finland between men and women - or rather the right of the fair half of humanity to vote on an equal basis with men - was organized for the first time in Europe. Today, Equality Day in Finland is celebrated on March 19 every year. On this day, which has had the status of a public holiday since 2003, flags are raised throughout the country and various events are held where Minna Kant is remembered. By the way, her most famous works were “The Worker’s Wife” and “The Priest’s Family.”