Which Countries Require Women to Serve in the Military?

Which Countries Require Women to Serve in the Military?

Enlistment into the armed forces remains optional for women in many nations; however, mandatory service is becoming more common. This gives a global perspective on females serving in militaries around the world. Denmark becomes the most recent nation to implement mandatory military service for women. On March 25, Copenhagen declared that females turning 18 after July 1 of this year might be selected through a national draft beginning in January 2026, provided the armed forces do not receive sufficient voluntary enlistments. This policy is being enacted two years ahead of schedule due to increasing geopolitical tensions across Europe. Approximately 25% of volunteers joining the Danish Armed Forces are women. Currently, mandatory military service, which applies to men and can last from four to twelve months based on individual choices following the initial three months of basic training, remains unchanged. Pioneers of military equality In Norway and Sweden, women are als…