Finland, located on the border with Russia, launched a unique initiative: survival courses for women. The first set, which already includes 75 participants, allows women to master skills that can become critical in the event of an emergency or conflict.
Finland has a long border with Russia and the historical experience of confronting it. According to the experience of Ukraine, modern war is not only a clash at the front, but also a test for civilian population. In such circumstances, knowledge of survival, first aid and cybersecurity can literally save life.
Finland, where military service for women is not obligatory, has chosen the way of voluntary training. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that every citizen, regardless of gender, is ready for challenges that may arise because of geopolitical instability.
Courses include: the basics of survival in the wild. First aid. Fundamentals of cybersecurity and communications in crisis. Self -defense skills. This is not a complete military training, but such a base will allow women to feel more confident in the event of an emergency.
As Ukraine has shown, the war is able to completely change the usual lifestyle in a matter of hours. In such circumstances, everyone should be prepared for independent survival or support of others. The Finnish approach can also be regarded as part of the larger national movement: to make the whole country more resistant to potential challenges, be it war, cyber threats or natural cataclysms.
Despite the fact that teaching women with military and surviving skills are not solving all problems, it is a step to strengthen the security of the country. Finland is betting on preparedness that provides citizens with more likely to withstand in difficult circumstances.
