Denmark is set to introduce mandatory military service for women soon, but there are significant concerns regarding the readiness of the Danish Armed Forces to accommodate them suitably.
Concerns Over Readiness for Women’s Draft
As Denmark prepares to implement mandatory military service for women, voices of concern are emerging regarding whether the Armed Forces are equipped to welcome female recruits under appropriate conditions. The criticism highlights various issues, including inadequate equipment, which is often tailored for men rather than women.
The Need for Improved Equipment
Emmely Søgaard Hansen, a 22-year-old who served her military obligation last year and now sits on the Civilian Service Council, has spoken out about her experiences. She noted that the current equipment provided to female soldiers is inadequate. “The equipment is made for men, and for many women, it doesn’t fit optimally,” Hansen explained. She pointed out several issues, such as sports bras causing skin irritation, backpacks causing back pain, and gas masks that are too large, which do not fit women properly.
Hansen’s sentiments are echoed by Thit Gaarskjær Jørgensen, a researcher in gender and military at Aalborg University, who currently works within the military. Jørgensen asserts that while women are fully capable of fulfilling their military duties, the gear supplied to them poses challenges. “Most women are a bit smaller, and therefore it can be difficult to adjust the equipment to fit female physiques,” she mentioned.
Kurt Brantner, vice-chairman of the Army’s Corporal and Private Association (HKKF), shares similar worries about the military’s preparedness to accommodate the incoming female recruits. “I am concerned about whether the Armed Forces are ready to handle the female conscripts that may arrive,” he stated. He also highlights that conscripts lose their health insurance cards and must instead receive medical care from the military’s own doctors, raising questions about the system’s readiness to handle unique health-related issues faced by women.
Health and Gender-Specific Challenges
Jørgensen raised additional health concerns, asserting that military doctors might not be prepared to address the specific health challenges women face, such as menstrual pain and pregnancy. This concern is supported by Kvinfo, a Danish knowledge center for gender and equality, which emphasizes the necessity for the military to adapt to the unique needs of female soldiers.
In the ongoing debate, author and equality advocate Birgitte Baadegaard underscores the urgency of ensuring equal conditions for both male and female conscripts. “There is an invisible injustice regarding women in the military, where many aspects do not cater to their needs,” she remarked. Baadegaard remains an influential voice in the dialogue, leveraging her social media platform to share accounts of women in the military who have faced difficulties, including inadequate equipment and harsh treatment.
Military’s Response to Equipment Concerns
In response to the growing concerns about equipment suitability, the Material and Procurement Agency, responsible for military equipment, announced measures taken in recent years to provide new underwear for female soldiers. Furthermore, it is now possible for soldiers to request new backpacks if the ones provided are ill-fitting.
Jørgensen remains optimistic, despite the historical male-dominated nature of the military. She believes forces are making strides towards accommodating more women before the target year of 2026. “The military is an old organization that was created for and by men, leading to both cultural and structural elements that tend to favor male experiences and bodies,” she noted. However, she also pointed out that considerable progress has been made and that the Armed Forces are evolving.
Active Measures for Gender Equality
The Ministry of Defense has established an advisory board to consult on gender equality within military service. This board includes representatives from Kvinfo, the Civilian Service Council, and Danish Industry, reflecting a commitment to developing practical solutions that address gender imbalances within the military.
Over the past decade, the military has faced numerous challenges regarding gender equality, and Jørgensen feels the military acknowledges these issues seriously and is attempting to take meaningful action.
In a formal response, the Defense Command, responsible for managing military training and conscription, stated that about 24 percent of current conscripts are already women. They assure that the advisory board is actively working to enhance gender parity within the military structure. Addressing concerns about women’s access to medical services, they noted that over one-third of military doctors are women.
In conclusion, as Denmark gears up for mandatory military service for women, the readiness of the Armed Forces to adequately support and equip female recruits remains a topic of crucial importance. With both societal expectations and operational demands at stake, the need for substantial reforms is evident. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from military leadership, policymakers, and society at large to ensure that all service members, regardless of gender, can perform their duties effectively and comfortably.
