Women are now eligible for military conscription in Denmark.
The change requires all women who turn 18 after 1 July 2025 to register for potential service, aligning with measures already in place for men.
The duration of the conscription period is also being extended, from four to 11 months.
Previously, women were only able to volunteer for military service.
The move comes as part of Denmark’s response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Background
Under Danish law, all physically fit men over the age of 18 may be required to complete military service.
Some men and women volunteer, and the remaining recruits are enlisted through a random lottery system that until now has only involved men.
The move to include women was first announced in early 2024.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters at the time that the government wants ”full equality between the sexes.”
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In 2023, 4,717 people completed military service in Denmark, a quarter of whom were women who volunteered to participate.
Denmark’s military also has 9,000 professional personnel.
The gender reforms are expected to see the number of people doing military service rise to 6,500 each year by 2033.
Denmark follows nearby countries Sweden and Norway in implementing conscription for women.
Russia
Denmark is a member of the NATO military alliance and supports Ukraine’s war against Russia’s invasion.
NATO countries must come to the defence of their fellow members if attacked. Ukraine is not a member.
However, the country has contributed €9 billion ($AU16 billion) in military support to Ukraine, making it one of the largest donors.
Colonel Kenneth Strøm, who leads the conscription program, told TheAssociated Press that including women is based on “the current security situation.”
