Equality Week 2026

This year’s Equality Week programme includes open lectures, an interactive workshop, poster presentations and students' Pride events. Highlights of the Pride programme include colourful celebrations at the Rainbow Fair — take a look at the evolving Pride programme here!

Other programme during Equality Week:

Monday 16 March: Celebrating Neurodivergence, 9:45–11:20, Tellus Stage (Linnanmaa)
Discover how to build workplaces where every mind can thrive. In this seminar, leadership and organizational behavior specialist D.Sc. Heini Pensar explores what neurodivergence means in professional settings – and how organizations can create structures and practices that support diverse ways of thinking and working. Staff and students are welcome to learn how neuro-friendly approaches can strengthen collaboration, creativity, and performance at work.

Tuesday 17 March: History-themed Women of Oulu public lecture, 18:00–19:30, Keskustakirjasto Saari
The Women of Oulu lecture series explores influential women from Oulu and their significance in the city’s history. The second lecture in the series features University Lecturer Riikka Isoaho-Nousiainen and Dean Paula Rossi, who will speak on the topic "Kotikaupungin parhaaksi: Säätyläisnaisten toimintaa Oulussa."

Wednesday 18 March: Bystander workshop, 10:00–14:00, L2 (Linnanmaa)
How can a bystander take an active role when witnessing harassment? In this Bystander Workshop, you’ll gain insights and practical tools for addressing harassment safely and constructively. The workshop is open to both staff and students, and seats are filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis. To secure your spot, please register here as a staff member and here as a student.

Thursday 19 March: Equality Day lecture, 10:00–11:00, Leena Palotie sali 101A (Kontinkangas)
Senior Research Fellow (Associate Professor) in History of Sciences and Ideas, Heini Hakosalo, gives a lecture titled: The life and afterlives of Rosalind Franklin - a wronged heroine of science?

Thursday 19 March: I4WORLD Diversity and Gender Balance in Science posters, 11:00–12:00, Leena Palotie sali 101A (Kontinkangas)
As part of the I4WORLD doctoral programme, the Diversity and Gender Balance in Science course was piloted. The posters are the final course work, presenting PhD research projects and their connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, ethics, and gender perspectives.