Ammattinainen

Ammattinainen is a Finnish noun meaning “a professional woman” or “a woman who has a profession.” It is formed from ammatti (profession) and nainen (woman) and describes a woman who participates in the paid labor market and holds a recognized occupation, across sectors such as education, health care, administration, industry, and services.

In Finnish discourse, ammattinainen has been used in general and sociological contexts to discuss women’s participation in work and professional life. It has appeared in discussions of gender equality, women’s education, and labor history, particularly during the 20th century as more women trained for and entered paid employment.

In modern usage, ammattinainen remains correct but can come across as formal or dated in everyday speech. When gender is not relevant, Finnish often favors gender-neutral alternatives such as ammattilainen or työtekijä. The term thus remains relevant in historical writing and in contexts where highlighting women's professional status is targeted or instructional.

Related ideas include the broader study of women in the labor force and the evolution of gender roles in Finland’s work life, as well as discussions about language and gender-neutral terminology in contemporary Finnish.