The historic shift marks a significant move towards gender equality in Denmark's defense policy, reflecting European security concerns.
**Danish Women Included in Military Draft System: A Revolutionary Change**
**Danish Women Included in Military Draft System: A Revolutionary Change**
Denmark's parliament enacts new laws requiring women to register for military service alongside men.
In a groundbreaking legislative shift, Danish women are now required to participate in military conscription when they turn 18, following the recent passing of a law by Denmark's parliament. This transformative measure introduces a lottery system for military service, allowing both women and men to undergo a mandatory period of military duty in light of escalating security threats in Europe.
Previously, military service for women was voluntary; however, with the new mandate commencing immediately, all individuals reaching adulthood must now register for consideration for military service. While voluntary recruits will be prioritized, any additional personnel required will be selected through the newly implemented lottery system. In conjunction with this change, the length of conscription has risen from four months to eleven months.
In 2024, approximately 4,700 Danes, including around 24% female, completed a shorter stint of military service, but projections indicate that this number could increase to approximately 6,500 annually by 2033 under the new conscription rules. Denmark's policy mirrors actions taken by neighboring countries, such as Sweden and Norway, both of which recently adopted conscription measures for women.
Amid rising defense expenditure driven by NATO demands, the Danish government also announced a significant investment of 40.5 billion Danish crowns (approximately £4.3 billion or $5.9 billion) earmarked for the military over the next five years. Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees the conscription program, emphasized that the decision stems from a political consensus aimed at bolstering the nation’s combat capabilities amidst ongoing security challenges.
Katrine, a current volunteer in the military, expressed her support for this decision, noting the necessity of equal contribution from women in defense roles. "In the world situation we're in right now, it's necessary to have more conscripts, and I think that women should contribute to that equally, as men do," she stated, highlighting a consensus that the change is a positive step forward.
