It used to be a man’s world but Finns ain’t what they used to be
Having endured weeks of watching politicians arguing, point-scoring, name calling, and playing downright dirty in this election, you can’t help but wonder if this is as good as it gets now in politics.
Then along comes Sanna Marin, who, at 34, has become the world’s youngest prime minister as she takes up her post in Finland.
As leader of a centre-left coalition, she is surrounded by other young, talented women, all determined to get things right for their country.
Of course, as you first glance across the row of fresh faces below, you can’t help but question whether they have the life experience needed to run a country.
But then you look at some of the individuals leading our own political system who, despite being considerably older, have not had half the real-life experience.
Sanna Marin was raised by two mothers and understands the LBGTQ community and the challenges they face as they fight for equality. Her family were not well off so she also knows what it feels like to come from nothing.
It is in such stark contrast to the elitist politicians born into privileged lives who have never known a day’s hardship.
An understanding of the issues at play within our societies does not just come from years lived, but from the miles we have walked, the challenges we have faced and the circumstances we have witnessed firsthand. For most of my working life I was so focused on my kids and my sport that I didn’t have time to take an interest in politics. But as the years have passed I have become increasingly aware of the unfairness and inequalities that exist all around us.
I see so many more homeless people, not just in this country but in others too. How did we allow that to happen in a First World nation where we pay our taxes into a system supposedly designed to support our most vulnerable? Why, having paid national insurance all his life, does my dad have to wait three weeks just to see his GP?
I could throw hundreds of examples at you, but suffice to say my eyes have been opened to unfairness and inequality and I’m against it in all areas of life.
In the UK, we used to be a country that produced really strong, world-respected political leaders who brought conviction and passion to their jobs. We just don’t seem to see that any more.
And while politics may not seem like a glittering opportunity to our young people, I hope they will look to Finland and the example of Sanna Marin. She is from a listening generation who represent a voice of reason and hope. The policies they generate are designed not just for today, but for future generations, too.
As we see with climate activist Greta Thunberg, today’s young people have more confidence, and they’re not prepared to turn a blind eye to injustice, or kowtow to the rich and powerful.
They’re prepared to fight their corner, and that’s what gives me hope for our future.