Last year, unemployment among young women rose faster than in any other age group.

Young women aged 15–24 faced higher unemployment than young men the same age. It was the first year since 2009 that men in this age bracket have not faced the higher unemployment rate.

Young women's jobless rate is now 21.8 percent compared to men's 21.7 percent.

The jobless rate of men has, however, not fallen. It was rising unemployment among young women that shifted the balance.

The situation affecting young women was largely driven by cuts in social and healthcare sector jobs.

"When jobs in healthcare decline, it has a direct impact on young women's employment," explained Pertti Taskinen of Statistics Finland.

The retail sector has also shed jobs, a trend reflected in declining employment among both young women and men.

Young people vulnerable in tough market

Youth employment is highly sensitive to economic cycles. In a downturn, young people find it harder to find work than more experienced age groups.

"Bad times hit young people immediately. It becomes harder for them to find jobs," Taskinen said.

This trend was evident last summer, when seasonal jobs were scarce, and fewer young people were employed than usual.