Denmark Enforces Military Conscription for Women

Starting July 1, women in Denmark who turn 18 will be subject to mandatory military conscription on an equal basis with men.

Specifically, Danish military legislation has replaced the words “man” and corresponding pronouns with more gender-neutral terms that also include women in the context of military service.

The relevant bill was finally passed on June 11, 2025.

In the explanatory note presented by the country’s defense minister in April this year, it was emphasized that Denmark is facing a new security situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In light of this, it is crucial for Denmark to strengthen its Defense Forces to meet the challenges that Denmark and its NATO allies face now and in the future.

The document also mentions that in April 2024, the government and several political parties agreed to strengthen the conscription component of the Danish military.

This move aims to enable conscripts to participate more actively in defense operational tasks than they do currently.

Another part of this agreement involved developing the country’s mobilization capacity, which the political agreement on full equality in conscription was meant to support.

Initially, these provisions were expected to come into effect in 2027; however, due to changes in the security situation, it was decided to implement them sooner.

It is also noted that, as of today, women already voluntarily enlist in the military, making up about a quarter of the armed forces’ personnel.

Since the Danish Constitution explicitly mentions military duty for males, the country’s legislation has traditionally used the word “man” in this context.

Now, it has been replaced with terms like “conscriptee,” “individual,” and others that are inclusive of women as well.

In the year a Danish citizen turns 18, they are required to attend Defense Day at a designated location, where they undergo a medical examination. If deemed fit for military service, they will draw a lottery number.

This number will determine whether the individual will be conscripted into the military compulsorily, in the event that there are not enough volunteers during the conscription process.

Before the changes, women could voluntarily participate in this procedure. Now, every Danish female citizen who turns 18 will be required to draw a lottery number that will determine whether she will be conscripted into the military. In Denmark, military service typically lasts between 4 and 12 months.

It was previously reported that Denmark will establish a new regiment to defend the strategic island of Bornholm. Currently, about 200 soldiers from the reconnaissance battalion of the Guard Hussar Regiment are stationed on the island.