Diverse Stories: From Iranian Protests to the Struggles of Plus-Size Shoppers
In recent headlines, Finland’s domestic media has not shied away from tackling profound issues, ranging from the unrest in Iran to the often-overlooked challenges faced by plus-sized individuals during the winter shopping season.
Finland’s Diplomatic Stand on Iran
In a significant diplomatic move, Finland has summoned the Iranian Ambassador in light of the internet blackout enforced by Iranian authorities amidst ongoing protests, according to Ilta-Sanomat. This step was articulated by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who took to X social media to announce the decision.
“This morning, I will summon the Iranian Ambassador,” Valtonen stated on Tuesday. “Iran’s regime has shut down the internet to enable oppression and violence in silence. Such actions are intolerable. We stand firmly with the people of Iran—both women and men.”
The Plight of Plus-Size Shoppers
As Finland braces itself against the cold, the quest for adequate winter clothing becomes a pressing issue, particularly for those in the plus-size community. A thought-provoking article in Helsingin Sanomat highlights the frustrations faced by individuals seeking winter attire, especially durable insulated pants.
Helsinki resident Veera Papinoja shared her experience with the newspaper, noting that she finally found suitable winter gear after a significant personal transformation. “For the first time in ages, I just fit into the largest padded pants available at a sports store after losing over 50 kilos,” she remarked. “It’s astonishing to think that fitting into a store’s biggest size required such a drastic change in my body.”
Papinoja’s story resonates with many in Finland, where the struggle to find plus-size winter clothing remains formidable. Sizes are often limited, leaving many without viable options. A recent report from HS noted a pivotal shift a few years ago when fashion giant H&M moved its entire plus-size collection online, citing a growing consumer preference for e-commerce.
A Historical Perspective on Midwifery in Finland
Meanwhile, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus delves into the storied history of midwifery in Finland, particularly as it relates to the shrinking network of rural hospitals. Midwifery training began 210 years ago—a time when wealthy families engaged midwives with monetary compensation, while in rural settings, transactions often involved barter, including firewood.
Päivi Oinonen of the Federation of Finnish Midwives recalls, “In those days, some midwives worked for free.” Home births were commonplace until the mid-20th century when a shift towards hospital births took hold.
Since then, Finland has seen a significant centralization of maternity services. In 1975, the country was home to 62 hospitals handling births; today, that number has dwindled to just 21, a change that has made access increasingly difficult for those residing in remote areas.
Through these varied narratives, Finnish media continues to shine a light on the pressing issues of our time, from the individual struggles faced in the marketplace to broader international concerns, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our global society.