Nicehearts’ values fit well with Minna Canth’s legacy of values. The partners presenting the award are City of Kuopio, Savon Sanomat and University of Eastern Finland.
Nicehearts was announced as the winner of the Minna Canth Award from among nine nominees selected by the preliminary jury.
Nicehearts is an association founded in 2001 with the goal of ensuring that girls, women and families – considering gender diversity and self-identification – can find their place in society as equal and equitable members.
The award recipient was selected from nine nominees chosen by the pre-jury. The pre-jury consisted of the award working group, together with representatives of the funding organizations. The nominees were:
- Amani Al-Mehsen, columnist, journalist and human rights expert
- Artists at risk (ABOUT | Artists at Risk (AR))
- Elina Hirvonen, author, journalist and documentary filmmaker
- Mari Leppänen, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Turku
- Markku Kaikkonen, Director of the Resonaari Music Center and Principal of the Resonaari Music School
- Minna Holopainen, Chief Editor
- Nicehearts ry (Nicehearts ry)
- Sofi Oksanen, author and playwright
- Vailla vakinaista asuntoa ry (VVA ry)
The final decision was made by an award jury chaired by author Sirpa Kähkönen. The other members of the jury were Suzanne Innes-Stubb, spouse of the President of Finland; Sixten Korkman, Ph.D. in Political Science; Hanna Klinge, Deputy CEO of CMI; and Siamäk Naghian, CEO of Genelec Oy.
In its statement, the award jury unanimously noted that the work of Nicehearts carries forward the principles and values promoted by author Minna Canth throughout her life’s work. Central to Canth’s values was improving the status of women and girls and supporting those in vulnerable positions. The goal was to develop a strong sense of citizenship even in those whose potential society was unable to recognize. According to Canth, full citizenship included an awareness of one’s own worth and the ability to support oneself by one’s own work.
The award jury recognized Nicehearts as a promoter of these values and initiatives; the organization operates in several areas and actively promotes the status of women and girls while strengthening families’ role in society.
Nicehearts’ values – equality, non-discrimination, community and joy – fit well with Minna Canth’s legacy of values. Joy deserves special mention, as it serves as a driving force for activities and becomes increasingly important in today’s world.
“The women’s issue is not just a women’s issue, but a matter for all of humanity”
Johanna Sjöholm, Executive Director of Nicehearts association, commented on the decision:
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who nominated the Nicehearts Association for this award. The news that the association had been chosen as one of nine finalists out of 137 nominees brought on a huge wave of emotion, joy and pride. All the nominees have done tremendous work in their own ways to promote equality. Our association is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, so the award comes at a significant moment for us. “
According to Sjöholm, the values guiding Nicehearts’ work have been equality and non-discrimination from the very beginning.
“The fact, that the Minna Canth Award is being given to us, as the first organization of its kind in Finland, is heartwarming and encourages us to continue our socially significant work. By offering opportunities for participation, learning, networking and influencing, we strengthen the realization of democracy. This promotes a sustainable and equal future.”
Sjöholm emphasizes, that Nicehearts’ work would not be possible without skilled employees committed to the organization’s values, members who help develop its activities, volunteers who donate their free time, as well as partners and funders.
“To use Minna Canth's words, ‘The women’s issue is not just a women’s issue, but a matter for all of humanity.’ In present day these words have a special meaning. We all have a role to play in making democracy a reality! I would like to express my warmest thanks to the award selection jury. We promise to continue promoting equality,” Sjöholm concludes.
The award is funded by a significant group of foundations and companies
The Minna Canth Award has a prize fund of 35 000 euros, funded by donations from these foundations and companies: Genelec Oy, the Olvi Foundation, the Saastamoinen Foundation, and the Säästöpankki Optia Foundation.
The City of Kuopio is responsible for administering the Minna Canth Award, in partnership with Savon Sanomat media company and the University of Eastern Finland.
More information about the award and the criteria can be found on the website of City of Kuopio.
