Denmark has implemented a policy to conscript women for military service, aiming for gender equality in conscription. Women turning 18 after July 1 are now subject to potential conscription through a lottery system. This change also extends the duration of mandatory service from four months to 11 months starting in 2026. The Danish defense ministry supports the initiative as a step toward ensuring full gender equality. Some Danish women express support for the move, highlighting the importance of equal treatment in all aspects of society. The decision reflects practical concerns related to current security needs.
"I think it is unequal to only conscript men," said Rosa Collet, 16. Collet, who describes herself as a feminist, opposes military conscription as a whole but believes that where it exists, it should include both men and women.
Emily B. Rasmussen, 20, a student of physics and philosophy at Aalborg University in Denmark, also welcomed the move as "positive ... for the gender discussion." "It's a huge leap in order to make women and men seem on the same level, [and] it also reduces the amount of people who do not want to join the military to be forced to," she added.
Julie Christiansen, 23, who also studies at Aalborg, agreed: "It's a great initiative because in Denmark there's a lot of talk about equality between men and women and I think that should apply to everything."
Col. Kenneth Strom, head of the Danish Armed Forces' conscription program, told the Associated Press the change was based on "the current security situation," with recruits potentially needed for greater defense readiness.
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