The Lotta Svärd movement was an auxiliary organization created in Finland in 1918, which aimed to support the Finnish military and society, especially during times of war. With the onset of the Continuation War, which took place from 1941 to 1944 against the Soviet Union, the Lotta Svärd movement evolved, mobilizing thousands of women in various capacities. These women took on roles that included nursing, logistical support, and other contributions that were crucial for the war effort. It was estimated that at its height, the organization had around 240,000 members, showcasing significant female participation in the military and national defense roles at that time.

However, as Finland sought peace to end the Continuation War, it entered into an armistice treaty with the Soviet Union in September 1944. One of the terms of this treaty was the dissolution of paramilitary organizations, which included the Lotta Svärd movement. On November 23, 1944, the organization was officially disbanded, and its affiliated groups were ordered to cease operations. This disbandment highlighted the changing dynamics of Finnish society post-war and reflected broader trends of demilitarization in Europe during the aftermath of World War II.

The disbandment of the Lotta Svärd movement prompted a reevaluation of women's roles in post-war Finland. While their contributions during the war were widely recognized, the end of this organization signified a shift back to traditional gender roles. The movement's legacy continued to influence Finnish women's rights movements and discussions about gender equality in the years that followed. The disbandment of the Lotta Svärd thus symbolizes both the conclusion of an important chapter in Finnish history and the evolving roles of women in society.