Nature report: Hatred of Finland's women ministers a threat to democracy

- The misogynistic allegations are extensive, says the report's author Rolf Fredheim, who, on behalf of NATO's Special Center for Communication Strategy (Stratcom), examined hundreds of thousands of Twitter messages about the Finnish Government's 19 ministers. 

- This is a threat to democracy and risks discouraging young women from applying for politics, says Maria Ohisalo, party leader for the Greens and the Finnish Minister of the Interior, one of the most affected by the onslaught.  

It was just over a year ago that the images of Finland's new governing coalition were wired around the world and caused a sensation.

Twelve female ministers against nine males, in a coalition led by five female party leaders, four of them almost 30 years old.  

The honeymoon and the positive attention did not last long for the new government, shows NATO's study.

In any case, it concerns the women in government. 

- The female ministers received a disproportionately high proportion of offensive comments during the investigation period, the report states.  

Right-wing sympathizers behind

Although no real physical threats have been registered, the disparaging views and sexist comments are extensive.

According to the report, they originate from individuals with right-wing sympathies and appear in negative comments about the government's policy and concern topics such as Covid-19 management, the immigration issue and Finland's relationship with the EU. 

The worst affected are Prime Minister Sanna Marin and the Greens' Maria Ohisalo, Finland's interior minister, who were both subjected to thousands of sexist comments during the months of the survey, averaging between 50 and 60 a day each.

Sexist expressions

Expressions such as "whore", "bitch" and "slut" occur regardless of subject areas, the report writes. 

Maria Ohisalo, belongs to the politicians who are threatened with death but do not want to give in to hatred. 

- Because I know that it is a way to use power, I do not want to give (my attackers) that power, so therefore I just want to continue and use my voice as much as possible.