Finland is proceeding with its planned expansion of its military service system to all young people, regardless of sex.
A new information day for all 17-year-olds will initially be piloted at high schools and vocational schools in three cities: Espoo, Iisalmi and Jyväskylä.
In Espoo, local high schoolers Inka Jääskeläinen and Vilma Sirkiä came to Kuninkaantie general upper secondary school in Espoo for a military service information day. The event is aimed at the entire age group and offers an introduction to the army and everything that comes with it.
The military canteen offers pea soup and doughnuts, and visitors can even try on equipment.
"Even if you hadn't been thinking about doing military service, you might change your mind here. You get more information," says Jääskeläinen.
Sirkiä agrees. "I think it's useful general knowledge to be told about these things. You get an idea of what military service is like for women and men."
The formal call-up will take place later for men subject to conscription and for women applying for voluntary military service.
The information day is intended to give young men a clearer understanding of the obligations that come with reaching conscription age, while increasing young women's awareness of the option of voluntary military service.
Meanwhile, Kuninkaantie high school student Aliisa Soljala says she has known since she was very young that she wants to carry out military service.
"I want to do military service because I think it's important. You get to defend your own country if the situation calls for it."
Soljala feels that the military does not generally appeal to young women. She says many worry whether they might face harassment during their service.
But she does not think women need to be afraid of harassment in the military, saying that such behaviour can be addressed when it occurs.
"I feel that this event encourages more women to consider applying for voluntary service."
Women only make up around four percent of those carrying out military service, totalling around 1,000 annually.
