What in the World - Should women be included in conscription?

Download Should women be included in conscription?

In most countries around the world where there is mandatory military service, it largely applies to just men. Denmark, Sweden and Norway have all brought in conscription laws for women in recent years. Experts say more countries are hoping to strengthen their armies and respond to geopolitical changes or conflict through these new conscription laws. Others say that it reflects a broader discussion and exploration of gender equality across cultures.

BBC reporter Emilia Jansson tells which countries are shifting their focus towards getting women in the army, and explains the reasons why in full.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Imogen James, Benita Barden and Emilia Jansson
Video producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde and Julia Ross Roy

Published on Tuesday, 20th January 2026.

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