Minna Canth Award nominations open for democracy and equality advocates

Nominations for the Minna Canth Award have officially opened and will be accepted until September 29, 2026. The national award, valued at 35,000 euros, honors individuals or communities that have significantly advanced democracy, equality, freedom of speech, and civil society.

The award commemorates the legacy of Minna Canth, a Kuopio-born author and advocate for social equality. The recipient will be announced during a seminar on March 19, 2027. The inaugural award was presented in early 2026 to Nicehearts ry, an organization dedicated to promoting the rights and opportunities of girls, women, and gender minorities.

Award criteria include contributions to social inclusion, education, welfare, science, culture, and sustainable development. The selection process involves public nominations, which totaled 137 last year. The award is managed by the City of Kuopio in collaboration with Savon Sanomat and the University of Eastern Finland, with funding provided by several foundations including Genelec Oyj and the Olvi Foundation.