Danish Women to Be Drafted by Lottery: What It Means for Equality and Service in Denmark

Danish women are set to be called up for military service when they turn 18. This new law, effective immediately, means they’ll join young men in a lottery system for conscription.

Until now, military service was voluntary for women. However, given rising security concerns in Europe, Denmark’s parliament decided to make this change. Countries like Sweden and Norway have already adopted similar measures, highlighting a shift in defense strategies across Scandinavia.

Starting now, all 18-year-olds must register for military assessment. The goal is to recruit volunteers first, but those not selected will be chosen by lottery. This shift will also extend the conscription period from four months to eleven. By 2033, it’s estimated that around 6,500 young people will participate in military service annually, a significant increase from the 4,700 who served in 2024. Interestingly, 24% of those were female volunteers.

The Danish government plans to boost defense spending by 40.5 billion Danish crowns (about £4.3 billion or $5.9 billion) over the next five years to align with NATO targets. Currently, around 9,000 personnel are active in the Danish military.

Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees the conscription program, stated that this policy reflects a political decision influenced by the current security landscape. He emphasized the need for more trained individuals across all military branches.

Current volunteer Katrine agrees with the change, saying, "With the world situation we’re in right now, it’s necessary to have more conscripts. Women should contribute equally.” Many share her sentiment, viewing this move as a step toward equality and strengthening national defense.

This decision reflects a broader trend. According to a recent survey, over 70% of Danes support equal military service for both genders. As nations evolve and adapt, the conversation around conscription and its implications for gender equality is becoming more prominent.

For more on Denmark’s military policies, you can check out the latest report from BBC.

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