The Helsinki Finnish Club votes today on allowing women to become members. Club board chairman Veli-Pekka Dufva strongly believes women will soon gain membership.
The rule change requires 75 percent approval in two votes held one month apart. A second vote would occur on December 4 if today's measure passes.
"I would be very disappointed if 75 percent doesn't support this," Dufva said before the vote.
The club's rules from the 1960s state only men can be members. Changing this clause requires three-quarters majority support under Finnish association law.
Dufva confirmed he would resign along with most board members if the rule change fails. The board sent members a letter last week warning of mass resignations if women aren't accepted.
Last year's vote saw about 70 percent support for admitting women. Dufva says the board views women's membership as necessary for the club's survival and future.
"Tonight we'll see whether the board enjoys the members' trust," he noted.
Advance voting has been underway for a week. Members can still vote in person this evening, but Dufva believes most have already expressed their opinion. The club has over 2,800 members.
This longstanding debate reflects Finland's broader gender equality discussions, where traditional institutions face pressure to modernize their membership policies.