Contact Us

Estonian women learn to fight 'living in a frightening situation'

Fifteen women aged from 20 to 60, are new recruits in the Women's Voluntary Defence Organisation, part of Estonia's state-run paramilitary defence.

  • 8
  • 10
Estonian women learn to fight living in a frightening situation

"Because of the situation in Ukraine, I want to be ready in any crisis situation," said Merle Vimb, 38, on maternity leave for her second child. "I am mostly alone with my children, and I must be ready to cope alone."

  • 9
  • 10
Estonian women learn to fight living in a frightening situation

After seeing an advert on Facebook, she joined up in March to learn first aid and military skills.

  • 10
  • 10
Estonian women learn to fight living in a frightening situation

"Most of us in the Baltics are living in a frightening situation. Because it's not normal, we must prepare. I cannot just sit and wait and see what happens. If there's a crisis, you no longer have a possibility to search for information," said Vimb.