Naiskodukaitse is the women's organization of the Kaitseliit. It is not only military but also deals with other national defense issues. For example, it assists in medicine, supports evacuation, and teaches how to prepare for crisis situations.
In 2022, many new women joined Naiskodukaitse. This happened after Russia attacked Ukraine. Before that, there were not so many new members.
A study revealed that many new members were women who previously knew nothing about military topics. They wanted to learn how to help themselves and their families during a crisis. They wanted to know how to contribute to national defense.
Some women joined because they feared war. Others joined because their relatives had experienced war or deportation. They wanted to be prepared if something bad happened.
Many new members gained useful skills from Naiskodukaitse. At first, military exercises might have seemed intimidating, but eventually, everyone managed. After basic training, they could choose a specialization that interested them.
The goal of Naiskodukaitse is for every member to know what to do during a crisis. Most women were ready to fulfill their role. When danger comes, they first take care of their families. Then they help in national defense.
Many women found new friends in Naiskodukaitse and became more confident. Some even started learning new things. This shows that Naiskodukaitse helps women believe in themselves and see new opportunities.
One of the women said she was afraid when she was abroad in 2014. But in 2022, when she was in Estonia, she felt calm. She said: "I am here and I will stay here." This shows how Naiskodukaitse gives people a sense of security.