Why Europe is asking women to get ready to fight Russia - BBC World Service

Summary

As tensions with Russia rise, European countries are increasingly turning to conscription, including drafting women into military service. Historically, conscription was limited to men, but shifting security concerns, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have led to new policies in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Ukraine. Public support for female conscription is strong in some Nordic countries but more contentious in others. The move aims to bolster defense in the face of ongoing threats but raises concerns over gender equality, military readiness, and the vulnerability of women in combat environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Europe is reintroducing military conscription as tensions with Russia rise.
• 😀 Some countries, like Norway, are now requiring women to participate in conscription alongside men.
• 😀 The move to draft women reflects the increasing importance of defense in the face of territorial threats, like Russia's actions.
• 😀 Conscription for women has sparked debates about gender equality and the fairness of including women in military service.
• 😀 Historically, women were drafted to work in non-combat roles such as in factories and hospitals during wartime.
• 😀 The modern concept of conscription dates back to the French Revolution, where men aged 18-25 were required to serve.
• 😀 Norway made history in 2013 by extending mandatory military service to women in the name of gender equality.
• 😀 Ukraine, Lithuania, and Sweden reinstated conscription after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, with Sweden including women in 2017.
• 😀 Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 intensified the urgency for European countries to bolster their military forces.
• 😀 Public support for female conscription is strong in countries like Denmark and Norway but faces opposition in some Baltic states.
• 😀 Some countries, like Latvia, argue that gender-neutral conscription is necessary for comprehensive national defense against Russia.
• 😀 Female conscription raises challenges such as ensuring appropriate uniforms, weaponry, and addressing sexual harassment within male-dominated military environments.
• 😀 Countries are facing demographic challenges, like falling birth rates, which could make conscription even more crucial in the future.

Q & A

Why is Europe rebuilding its armies now?

Europe is rebuilding its armies due to rising tensions with Russia, especially after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This has highlighted the need for stronger defense and military preparedness across the continent.

Why are some countries introducing conscription for women?

Some countries are introducing conscription for women as part of a broader effort to ensure that everyone plays a role in national defense, particularly as the military threat from Russia increases. These countries are aiming for gender equality in defense obligations.

When did Norway extend mandatory military service to women, and why?

Norway extended mandatory military service to women in 2013, citing a desire for equal rights and obligations. The country also highlighted the importance of having access to the female population for intelligence gathering and communication in certain operational contexts.

How has Russia's invasion of Ukraine impacted European defense policies?

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has led to a reevaluation of European defense policies. Several countries have reinstated or extended compulsory military service, including for women, in response to the growing threat from Russia.

What were the roles of women during the World Wars, and how has this changed?

During the World Wars, women were often drafted to work in non-combat roles such as in factories, hospitals, and farms. While some women served in the military, they were typically not sent to the front lines. Today, many European countries are considering or implementing conscription for women in combat roles as well.

Which European countries have made moves towards gender-neutral conscription?

Countries like Norway, Sweden, Ukraine, and Lithuania have moved toward or already implemented gender-neutral conscription. Sweden, for example, reintroduced conscription in 2017 to include both men and women, reflecting the growing demand for a more inclusive military.

What is the public opinion on female conscription in Nordic countries?

In Nordic countries, public support for female conscription is generally strong. In Denmark and Norway, for example, there is widespread backing for gender equality in military service, and many people are willing to serve even beyond the required time.

What challenges could arise from introducing gender-neutral conscription?

Challenges include the need to adapt military infrastructure, such as uniforms and weaponry, which are often designed with men in mind. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for sexual harassment, abuse, and assault in military environments that are historically male-dominated.

How does Russia's actions influence the decisions of neighboring countries regarding conscription?

Russia’s aggressive actions, particularly the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have pushed neighboring countries to consider reintroducing conscription or extending military service. The fear of territorial aggression from Russia has made military readiness a top priority in these countries.

What are the potential long-term implications of a falling birthrate on European defense policies?

A declining birthrate could lead to a shortage of young people eligible for military service by 2040, making conscription even more critical. Countries may struggle to maintain adequate military forces if current demographic trends continue.