Finland: Siltanews – News Desk
Shared barracks for men and women have become a regular part of conscript service in Finland, following a successful trial between 2020 and 2023. Since then, mixed-gender rooms have been available to all interested conscripts across the country’s garrisons.
According to Hannu Maijanen, Chief of Social Affairs at the Defense Command, the policy has become an established practice with little negative feedback.
“Conscripts report that mixed rooms have a calmer atmosphere, which supports rest and recovery,” Maijanen wrote in an email to Yle. “They also feel the ‘men versus women’ mindset has diminished or disappeared entirely. It’s also made it easier for conscript leaders to bond with their squads.”
Men in Finland have a legal obligation to complete either military or civilian service, while women have the option to volunteer for the military. In each arrival cohort, around four to six percent of new recruits are female volunteers.
“Nobody really cares who’s changing “Two corporals serving in the Jaeger Brigade in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland had nothing negative to say about the experience.
I haven’t felt awkward or that it’s been a problem,” said Aada-Linnea Häkkinen. “Toilets and showers are separate for men and women, and you can choose how you want to change clothes — either in front of others or in the bathroom.”
Hakkinen said she changes in the room and has never felt uncomfortable “Even though we’re in mixed rooms, anybody really cares whose changing clothes. We’re one group, and everyone here is the same.”