Under-representation of women and other inequality among researchers is a problem that will not solve itself as women acquire competence.

The Constitution of Finland and Halonen's decision to take part in some European Union meetings with the Prime Minister has created the so-called "problem of two dinner plates" in Finland. She led in the advance voting but Tarja Halonen eventually received fewer votes on the actual voting day than Mr. 2006 Presidential campaign

On 20 May 2005 Halonen held a press conference in Mäntyniemi where Tarja Halonen announced her willingness to run for a second term.

She was active in student politics and served as the Social Affairs Secretary and Organization Secretary of the National Union of Students from 1969 to 1970. She also had a long career in the city council of Helsinki serving there from 1977 to 1996. In 1980–81 Halonen served as the chairman of Seta the main LGBT rights organization in Finland.