The newly completed barracks for the Ivalo Border Jaeger Company in Finland will allow for female soldiers to serve, marking a significant shift in military inclusivity. Previously, women had been unable to join this unit due to inadequate shower facilities; the new building features private shower stalls and proper laundry services. The first female recruits are expected to arrive in summer, expanding opportunities for women in military service within this region.

The Ivalo facilities will not only support female servicemen but also allow for mixed-gender accommodations, provided the male and female soldiers agree to share the spaces. This advance in structural redesign reflects ongoing changes in Finnish military policy aimed at greater gender equality and inclusion, which may encourage more women to consider a career in the armed forces. Currently, the locality anticipates 5-10 women will enlist in the upcoming service batch.

This initiative is notably the last of the Finnish Border Guard's units to enable voluntary military service for women, reflecting broader trends in defense forces worldwide, which often seek to modernize and adapt to societal changes. The development of such facilities indicates a commitment to creating supportive environments for all soldiers and reaffirms Finland's progressive stance on gender integration within its military forces.