Mandatory military service has historically been part of national defense policies across the globe. Traditionally, these conscription policies have been for men. In recent years, however, some countries have extended or redefined their requirements to include women in mandatory military service. This represents a shift in thinking about gender roles, equality, and national defense requirements.
Countries with Mandatory Military Service for Women
1. Israel
Israel may be the most well-known example of a country with mandatory military service for both men and women. Women are required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for approximately two years starting at about age 18. There are some exemptions (due to religious, medical or marital reasons), but the majority of Jewish Israeli women serve in various capacities in the IDF (for example, combat roles, intelligence or administrative).
2. Norway
Norway was the first NATO country to include women in compulsory military service in 2015. All Norwegian citizens are eligible for conscription upon turning 19, regardless of gender. The policy in Norway is based on gender equality as applied to conscription for both male and female conscripted citizens on the same terms. Women can fulfill military service in all capacities – including combat roles – and Norway has taken its policy a step further by training women to serve in combat roles.
3. Sweden
Sweden suspended military conscription in 2010 and reverted back to it in 2017, at which point it moved from the previous system of voluntary enlistment. The new system is a non-discriminatory one that consists of both men and women. Swedish citizens must register for service when they turn 18, and when one is selected for conscription if needed, it is a mix regardless of gender. While not all women will serve, all citizens “will be considered” regardless of gender meaning it is treated equally.
4. North Korea
North Korea has compulsory military service for both genders, although the requirements differ. Women serve from a minimum of 17 until approximately 23, while men typically will in serve either a mandated or voluntary long service that is often over ten years. It is difficult to verify specific data in North Korea of inclusion of women in the military, for the reasons that vies environment and agency are often inaccessible.
5. Eritrea
Eritrea has one of the most comprehensive and controversial military conscription in the world. Both men and women are required to serve, often times beyond the official 18 months service requirement. Human rights organizations like the UN have condemned Eritrea’s conscription program as indefinite and exploitative. Women serve in combat and logistics.
Countries that Allow Women to Voluntarily Serve
Some other countries have made women’s voluntary service in the military an option by providing equal opportunities for advancement, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia. They are leading the way in terms of assimilating women into the military without making voluntary service mandatory.
The Global Movement Towards Inclusion
While the instances of mandatory service for women remain relatively rare globally, countries are slowly transitioning their policies towards policy-neutral or generative (gender-neutral) policies. In countries in which military service has been voluntary, we are also seeing an increase of women to choosing to serve. At the same time, countries that have mandatory and voluntary service options are keeping gender equality front of mind, and are trying to incorporate it into their selection.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of women in mandatory military service communications is a shift reflected of changing ideas of equality, as well as modern security needs. While there are only a few countries that require for women to serve mandatory service, the trend is clearly towards mixing men and women and gender military integration and along with gender equality. While the conversation around national defense and gender equality continues, more countries might consider how they want to requisition military service from their citizen regardless of their gender.
