Should more women fight in wars? - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Conscription & Women in the Military: A Global Overview

Key Concepts:

• Conscription: Compulsory enlistment for national service, typically in the military.
• Gender Neutral Standards: Applying the same physical and performance requirements to both men and women.
• Geopolitical Shifts: Changes in the global political landscape influencing national security policies.
• Manpower: The available pool of people capable of military service.
• Stipend: A fixed, regular payment, typically smaller than a salary, provided during service.

Introduction

The discussion centers around the evolving global landscape of conscription, specifically the increasing consideration of including women in mandatory military service. Historically dominated by male participation, several countries are re-evaluating this practice due to geopolitical changes, demographic shifts, and arguments for gender equality. The conversation explores the arguments for and against female conscription, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved.

Global Conscription Landscape

Approximately 60 countries currently practice conscription, with an additional 20 possessing laws enabling its implementation. While many nations dismantled conscription in the 1990s, a recent trend indicates a resurgence, driven by heightened security concerns. Finland serves as a case study, with universal conscription for men being a deeply ingrained national tradition, viewed as a rite of passage and a source of national pride. Individuals refusing conscription in Finland face potential jail time (historically) or home detention (since 2013, for 173 days, though rare). Conscripts receive a stipend, housing, and food during their service.

Expanding Female Conscription: Current Trends

Around 15 countries currently conscript women in some capacity. Denmark is set to implement full conscription for both genders from January 1st, 2026, utilizing a lottery system if volunteer numbers are insufficient. Other Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway also conscript women, though often on a smaller scale or through volunteer-based systems. Myanmar and North Korea also conscript women, with varying methods. China and the Netherlands legally can conscript women, but currently do not.

Motivations Behind Expanding Conscription to Women

Three primary themes drive the move towards female conscription:

1. Geopolitical Changes: The war in Ukraine has prompted European nations to reassess their security capabilities, leading to concerns about sufficient manpower.
2. Equality: The argument that a truly equal society requires equal participation in national defense, offering both genders the same opportunities and responsibilities. Noémie Roten, a proponent of female conscription in Switzerland, argued that military service grants “qualifications to exercise their true rights as true citizens.”
3. Demographic Shifts: Declining birth rates in countries like South Korea and the Baltic states are reducing the available pool of male recruits, necessitating consideration of female conscription to maintain adequate military strength. South Korea currently has 450,000 soldiers, a decrease of 113,000 since 2019, and experts believe at least 500,000 are needed for defense against North Korea. Latvia’s defense minister is advocating for female conscription due to low male birth rates.

Public Reaction & Nordic Experiences

Public acceptance of female conscription varies. In the Nordic countries, initial reactions have been relatively positive, particularly as conscription is not universal for women. However, a 2025 Swedish survey revealed that 71% of 18-year-old women held a negative view of conscription, compared to 42% of men.

Arguments For and Against Female Conscription

Arguments For:

• Equality: Ensuring equal participation in national defense.
• Talent Pool: Accessing a wider range of skills and abilities.
• Diversification: Enhancing leadership and diversifying skillsets within the military.

Arguments Against:

• Biological Considerations: The necessity of women for childbirth and potential societal impacts.
• Existing Inequalities: Acknowledging existing societal disadvantages faced by women (lower pay, caregiving responsibilities).
• Physical Disparities: Historically cited differences in strength and speed between men and women, though this is being addressed through gender-neutral fitness standards (as seen in the US Army’s recent policy change).
• Cultural Barriers: The traditionally male-dominated culture of the military and the challenges women face within it. Studies indicate women are more likely to experience sexual harassment and bullying (e.g., a 2022 Korean report found women were four times more likely to be sexually harassed, and a recent UK Ministry of Defence survey showed two-thirds of women reported sexualized behavior).
• Equipment Issues: Military equipment is often designed for the male physique, potentially compromising the safety and effectiveness of female soldiers.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding female conscription is complex and multifaceted. While geopolitical pressures, equality concerns, and demographic shifts are driving increased consideration of including women in mandatory military service, significant challenges related to cultural barriers, physical disparities, and ensuring a safe and equitable environment for female soldiers remain. The discussion is ongoing, with many European countries and nations facing demographic challenges actively evaluating their conscription policies. The future of conscription will likely involve a continued re-evaluation of traditional norms and a search for solutions that balance national security needs with principles of equality and fairness.