Johanna Kirjavainen

I am a 36-year-old Doctor of Science in Technology, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management, and a mother of two from Pispala, Tampere. I am running in the municipal and regional elections in spring 2025 in Tampere and the Pirkanmaa region.

I want to help build a Tampere and Pirkanmaa that look to the future, where decisions take into account future generations and the environment, and where everyone, regardless of their background, can study, live, and run a business in a supportive environment. I am deeply passionate about making political decisions based on research and strengthening everyone’s opportunities for a good life through fairness and justice. The values most important to me are human rights, equality, and education.

Why Did I Enter Politics?

I entered politics because I am deeply concerned about two key issues: the future of the welfare state and climate change. I chose the Green Party because it genuinely bases its decisions on science and takes the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on our society seriously. The Green Party’s values, human rights, equality, education, and combating inequality, are also deeply important to me.

I have personally experienced that life doesn’t always go as planned, no matter how hard you try. In high school, I was bullied, and as an adult, I have faced postpartum depression and burnout. These experiences taught me that any of us can find ourselves in a situation where we can’t cope alone—and in those moments, the welfare state should be there to catch us. Getting help at the right time prevents human suffering and helps people get back on their feet more quickly.

Experience and Expertise

During my studies, I was active in student organization work and focused academically on technology and innovation management, topics that I explored in my bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis, and ultimately in my doctoral dissertation. In teaching, I concentrated on futures thinking, technology strategy, and innovation management. Alongside my studies, I worked both in companies and at the university. As a third-generation engineer and the child of an entrepreneurial family, I have served on the board of my family’s SME in manufacturing industry for nearly a decade. In connection with this, I also completed the Chamber of Commerce’s Certified Board Member (HHJ) training program.

A Sustainable Future for Tampere

I want to help build a Tampere that addresses the biggest challenges to our future, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, the mental health crisis, and the weakening dependency ratio, through all of its actions and decisions.

By facing these issues head-on, we can create a Tampere that is truly future-proof.

In practice:

• Make decisions based on scientific research
  
• Consider the long-term impact on future generations
  
• Ensure Tampere reaches its carbon neutrality goals
  
• Prevent residential segregation

Tampere can be a pioneer in sustainable development and equal urban living, and I want to make that possible.

Tampere for Future Generations

Let’s build a Tampere that actively reduces inequality and supports those in vulnerable positions. Let’s invest in children, youth, immigrants, and their futures.

Regardless of background, everyone should have equal opportunities to build their life and future in Tampere.

In practice:

• Invest in preventive services for children, youth, and immigrants
  
• Ensure sufficient resources for schools and daycare centers
  
• Improve access to sports, cultural, and youth spaces
  
• Offer children and youth opportunities to engage in hobbies
  

Let’s build a city of community, equality, and well-being, together.

A Vibrant and Attractive Tampere

I want to strengthen the appeal of Tampere’s urban area.

Tampere must be a desirable place to live and work for students, families with children, businesses, and their employees, both now and in the future.

In practice:

• Ensure accessible and reliable public transportation for all
  
• Promote walking and cycling
  
• Improve safety of school routes and active mobility for children
  
• Expand green areas and ensure everyone has access to nearby nature
  
• Support the operating conditions of small and medium-sized enterprises
  
• Strengthen cooperation between the city, educational institutions, and businesses

 A vibrant Tampere is attractive to everyone.

Services for Children and Families

Families must have access to timely and high-quality support within the wellbeing services county.

I want to promote:

• Increased resources for maternity and child health clinics and family services, so that families’ needs can be met proactively and flexibly, preventing problems from escalating
  
• Sufficient resources and support for child welfare workers, so that help is available quickly and effectively in difficult situations
  
• Securing and expanding youth work services, ensuring more young people have safe adults and safe spaces in their lives

The well-being of children and young people reflects on society as a whole. Investing in it is crucial.

Mental Health Services

The mental health crisis affects far too many, and getting help is often difficult.

I want to promote:

• Implementation of a therapy guarantee, so people can access mental health support without delay and with a lower threshold
  
• Low-threshold services like online chats and crisis work, especially targeting young people and other vulnerable groups
  
• Well-being of care staff, because the endurance of healthcare workers is key to providing quality mental health services

Everyone deserves timely help without delays or bureaucracy.

Preventing Inequality

Everyone deserves access to quality services regardless of where they live, their background, or life situation.

I want to promote:

• Regional equality in services, so that your place of residence doesn’t determine your access to health, mental health, or social services. Everyone has the right to receive help in a timely manner and close to home
  
• Tailored support for vulnerable groups, such as the long-term unemployed, single parents, and the elderly. Services must be designed to meet their specific needs
  
• Equal opportunities for all, which includes accessible services and active measures to prevent discrimination, for example, for people with disabilities, immigrants, and minority groups

Reducing inequality builds community, safety, and strengthens the well-being of our entire region.