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Eekku Aromaa comes originally from Jyväskylä. As a child, she read widely and voraciously. She wanted to understand already at a young age what this world is all about. After upper secondary school, Aromaa began her studies at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, aiming to become a health care nurse. This aim did not come true, but at the UAS she developed the idea of applying for social policy studies.

“I wanted plenty of theory in UAS studies. I understood that I was especially interested in the ideas behind the policies.”

Her studies at JYU began in 2002. In addition to social and public policy, Aromaa studied journalism, education, social psychology, and women’s studies. In Aromaa’s mind, the best memories from her study years relate to the master’s thesis process. Her discussions with Raija Julkunen, Lecturer of Social and Public Policy, have stayed with Aromaa. “She reminded us that women of her generation did not think of happiness that much. It was enough that one did one’s job and attended to one’s duties,” Aromaa recalls. “On top of this, my own and younger generations have additional pressures to be happy as well.”

Aromaa’s master’s thesis dealt with mothers’ experiences of social security and livelihood.

“I was interested in the sense of safety that can be produced by social security. Social justice is still an important theme for me.”

Before writing her master’s thesis, Aromaa entered the world of work as general secretary of the Green Students and Youth for 2006–2007. She did not seek any extension to her job but decided to return and complete her master’s degree, since without a degree it is difficult to get any public office. “I had seen the difficulties that people lacking the thesis had in the labour market, and I did not wish to end up in the same situation myself,” Aromaa adds.

“Graduation was a wise decision, although the degree reform resulted in a great number of new master’s degree holders entering the labour market in 2008. Fortunately, I had many years of work experience, as well as certain plans and bright prospects. This was not the case for everybody. Submitting my master’s thesis was one of the top highlights in my life!”

After graduation, Aromaa spent three months in Nepal as a volunteer for Demo Finland, which promotes cooperation to develop multi-party democracy. Her career includes such posts as general secretary of 100 Finland, service manager of the Temppeliaukio church, and director of Kallio Settlement.

“University studies provided a good picture of what is happening in the field, what is worth reading, and where to look for information. I have later supplemented my competence with a pedagogical qualification and a certificate in educational administration as well as a specialist vocational qualification in service design. I have considered further studies as well.”

In 2007, Aromaa was a UN youth delegate involved in the third committee of the General Assembly, which dealt with social development and youth affairs, for instance. After this, she was involved for several years in the UN lobbying group of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and attended some UN meetings. She has also participated in arms trade treaty negotiations in the UN.

“I appreciate the UN system; it does a lot of good. On the other hand, it is associated with such a slow pace and tardiness, that makes many good things impossible or at least frustratingly slow to achieve.”

Aromaa has been a candidate in several municipal elections and once in a parliamentary election. She has been active in NGOs since childhood. Human rights call for indomitable defenders.

“Women’s rights and human rights will not improve on their own but demand continuous effort. If we are not alert, they may face suffer series defeats. Examples of this can be found in Poland, for instance, regarding further restrictions to abortion rights.”