In 2026, for the first time in history, women are holding the top leadership positions in all three Sámi Parliaments in Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Yet when asked about the rights, role and future of Indigenous women and girls, all three Sámi leaders converged around a similar message: for Sámi girls, equality begins long before they enter a parliament or take on a formal leadership role. It begins with what they are taught they can do.

UNRIC has talked to the three Presidents of the Sami Parliaments: Silje Karine Muotka, President of Sámediggi in Norway; Marianne Gråik, President of Sámediggi in Sweden; and Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, President of Sámediggi in Finland.

“What makes this moment special to me is the opportunity to work alongside these women leaders I greatly admire”, Silje Karine Muotka says. “They bring different experiences, strengths and perspectives, and I think that says something important about leadership in Sápmi today.”

Read more at: https://unric.org/en/a-century-of-sami-womens-leadership-not-a-single-woman-should-be-missing/