FEMM Edition
KUOPIOPOLITAN
Lining up for Equality
In Teambuilding, the ice
between complete stran-
gers melted only after a few
games. Laughter, happy
faces and an undeniable
connection seem to be the
elements of which FEMM
can be recognised.
“Yeah, we can do it!” was the immedi-
ate answer of the enthusiastic delegates
of the Committee on Women’s Rights
and Gender Equality after being asked
if they were able to form a multilegged
monster with two hands, two legs and
one head. And so they did – as the fifth
committee in the history of the EYP.
The Committee quickly got a hold of
how to work as a team. For example,
they worked through some difficulties
of communication in Two Truths and a
Lie. Highly encouraged by their Chair-
persons Lucas and Nina, the Delegates Fortunately, the EYP is not about be-
soon became able to interact and work ing ordinary – and no EYP participant
together as if they had known each oth- is completely normal. Special personali-
er for a long time. ties combined with significantly amaz-
ing talent to interact make FEMM
FEMM is diverse in a positive way. In powerful and worth of envy. Above
Teambuilding, it was revealed that they all, they are showing sincere interest in
all have freakishly unique talents and their topic and are eager to work hard
some utterly strange characteristics. for their resolution. It is clear that the
For example, Sanni is able to move her Committee possesses strong EYP po-
nose, Heljä is stunningly flexible thanks tential. When it comes to the General
to her jazz dance history, Walter brings Assembly, be aware of the Fe-fe-fe-
colour to the Committee with his fet- FEMM.
ish of crazy-coloured socks, Katarina Anni Marttinen
and Erasmus are devoted history freaks
with knowledge of twisted details and
Mia has the talent of moving her ears.
Annika was confident enough to admit
that she lacks imagination, and Anu ap-
parently does not like sun – lucky for
her, she was not born in Africa. It was
also made clear that neither chair was
in any way ordinary. Lucas surprised
everyone with his ability to make his
stomach look like he was pregnant, and
Nina confessed that she talks to elec-
tronic devices as if they were humans.
GENDER EQUALITY
Islamic Garments vs.
European Values?
In the light of the rising de-
mands for banning Islamic
garments in Europe how
should the European gov-
ernments ensure gender
equality whilst taking reli-
gious traditions into con-
sideration?
Freedom and respect for human rights
are one of the most crucial and on some
level even obvious ideals of Europe. At
the same time, Europe is a continent of
several different cultures. That leads to
some challenges. The common aim in
European societies is to combine both
values and cultural traditions – but the
question is how.
The Committee on Women’s Rights and The Kuopio’10 Press team
Gender Equality is facing the challenge
of finding an answer for the controver- Journalists
sial and debated question of banning Anni Marttinen
Islamic garments in Europe. Garments Anna Westerlund
covering one’s face have been seen as an Eoin O’Leary
assault by radical Islam on Europe, and Katarina Warg
an insult on European legislation. Hid- Kati Pärn
ing your face can be considered hid- Nikolas Rawlins
ing your identity, which is forbidden Sara Juricic
in public places in several EU Mem-
ber States. However, a total burqa ban Editors
could restrict religious freedom. More Elsa Horn af Rantzien
often than not wearing these garments Konrad Staeger
is more of a tradition than an expres-
sion of your religion. The challenge is to
decide what to change in order to create
harmony. Europe is not what it was in
the ancient Greece. In the 21st century,
Europe is above all multicultural.
Anni Marttinen