Finnish Women Arm Themselves for Defence Amid Russian Threat
In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, civilian firearms training demand in Finland has skyrocketed, with a significant portion of interest coming from women. Annabel Grossman meets the female participants learning shooting and survival skills to counter a hostile neighbour.
Surge in Female Participation
Nicole San Juan, 35, loads ammunition into her magazine with freshly manicured pink nails before positioning herself behind an AK15 rifle at the Loppi shooting range. Despite initial misses, she quickly finds her mark, hitting targets across a snowy expanse. Her slight frame stands out among bearded men in camouflage, but she is far from alone.
Since February 2022, increasing numbers of Finnish women have been familiarising themselves with firearms. Suvi Aksela, communications manager for Naisten Valmiusliitto – the Women's National Emergency Preparedness Association – reports phones "ringing nonstop" with inquiries post-invasion.
"The first question we were asked was 'how can I help? What can I do?'" Aksela explains. "The second question? 'Where can I learn to shoot?'"
Organisational Growth and Training
The Vantaa Reservists, Nicole's group, have seen membership nearly triple from 950 in late 2021 to 2,312 today, including approximately 170 women. Nicole joined shortly after the Ukraine war began, motivated by images of vulnerable women fleeing conflict.
"I realised that I could be in that situation too and I don't have any skills," she states. Now attending regular shooting trainings, she aims to earn enough hours for a gun licence, believing it crucial for women to know how to use firearms for protection.
Female reservists recently gathered for a girls' night featuring cake, sauna sessions, and weapon comparisons. Nicole notes women often prefer rifles over lighter pistols due to easier adjustment for smaller hands. The AK15 she uses is employed by Russian special operations units.
Historical Context and National Strategy
Finland shares a 1,343km border with Russia and lost territory to the Soviet Union during the 1939-1940 Winter War, a painful memory passed through generations. Russia's 2014 Crimea occupation and 2022 Ukraine invasion have sharpened focus on this hostile neighbour.
The Finnish government has developed a "comprehensive security" strategy involving all societal sectors in defence. Lt Col Annukka Ylivaara, assistant secretary general of the government's security committee, emphasises "the role of individuals as security actors."
Naisten Valmiusliitto, while not handling firearms, runs security and preparedness courses where women wear distinctive purple beanies with camouflage. They learn first aid, field catering, off-road driving, and survival skills through weekend forest exercises.
Overwhelming Demand and Cultural Factors
Course demand was so high post-invasion that systems crashed with 800 women queuing online. Today, courses fill within minutes. Aksela asserts: "Our strategy in Finland is to be so prepared that no one wants to even try."
Ulla Mattila, 51, began researching courses after the invasion, recalling: "In the first days of war it looked like they were just going to roll the tanks throughout the whole country... There was the feeling that this could have happened to us."
The National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) supports Defence Forces readiness with civilian training, particularly popular shooting sessions. Training Director Kari Pietiläinen estimates one million rounds were fired last year, though reservists likely shot more.
Statistical Insights and Future Plans
MPK recorded 48,000 training days in 2021, soaring to nearly 149,000 by 2025, with over 32,000 attributed to women. Finland boasts the EU's highest gun ownership rate, with approximately 1.5 million licensed firearms among 460,000 holders in a population of 5.6 million.
Currently, 670 shooting ranges exist nationwide, but the government plans to open around 300 more, totalling roughly 1,000. A 2025 survey by the Advisory Board for Defence Information found 80% of 1,072 respondents willing to participate in national defence if attacked.
Personal Motivations and Resolve
Aksela reflects: "Why do we want to defend this country? Because this is our home and we love it. It is in our DNA." Nicole, born in Germany to Filipino parents but raised in Finland, declares: "I want to protect my country... what we have here is something very special."
Helena Laasjorvi, a Vantaa Reservist from Mantsala, emphasises: "It's really important for me to know how to use guns because of the situation we have with our neighbour." When asked about taking up arms, she responds unequivocally: "Of course... We want peace but if there is a situation with Russia we know what to do."
