Teen girls get a closer look at military service

Finland's military service system is set to become inclusive, opening its doors to young people of all sexes. To familiarize 17-year-olds with this change, an information day was held for students at high schools and vocational schools in Espoo, Iisalmi, and Jyväskylä. The event, held at Kuninkaantie general upper secondary school, allows participants to learn about the army and its associated responsibilities.

At the information day, Inka Jääskeläinen and Vilma Sirkiä, both high school students, tried on military equipment and sampled canteen food. Jääskeläinen believes the event is a valuable source of general knowledge about military service for both sexes. Sirkiä agrees, stating that attending the event provides a clearer understanding of what military life entails for both men and women.

The formal call-up for military service will be issued to men who are subject to conscription and to women who voluntarily apply. The information day aims to provide young men with a better grasp of their obligations once they reach conscription age, while simultaneously increasing awareness among young women about the possibility of voluntary military service.

Aliisa Soljala, a Kuninkaantie high school student who has always wanted to serve in the military, believes it is a crucial way to protect one's country. Soljala acknowledges that the military can sometimes appear unappealing to young women, who may worry about possible harassment. She, however, is confident that such behavior can be addressed within the military framework.

Soljala feels that the information day will encourage more women to consider joining voluntary military service, a group that currently makes up only about four percent of those serving.