A year after the introduction of basic voluntary military service for women, the share of female soldiers in the armed forces rose from 4.3 to 5 percent. The federal army announced that 257 women have registered for basic voluntary military service, that 143 have been drafted and that 137 have already registered. With this model, women can become acquainted with soldiering for six months without any obligation, comparable to basic military service for men.
Previously, they could only enter into a cadre career as an officer or non-commissioned officer directly through an aptitude test. After six months of basic training in the voluntary basic military service, which has existed since April 1, 2023, women and men can pursue a career in the militia. 100 of the women who have already signed up are currently active. There are a total of 755 female soldiers in service, up from 645 a year ago.
“The goal is to increase the share of women”
“One of the objectives of our department is to increase the proportion of women, and especially that of female soldiers, in the Austrian Armed Forces. And we succeeded,” summarized Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), who wants to further increase the share of female soldiers, in a statement. The work must also become more attractive to women: for example through a mentoring program for female soldiers or through Girls’ Day, which promotes the profession every year. More women also need to be integrated into the Ministry of Defense – there the share of women, including military and civilian personnel, is 14 percent.
Intimidation incident “severely punished”
The Army said it is committed to diversity and equality and creating a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. At a press conference of the Parliamentary Federal Armed Forces Commission in mid-March, a case of sexual harassment at a Christmas party was mentioned and “immediate action was taken”.
The military takes “any incident of sexual harassment extremely seriously and condemns such behavior in the strongest possible terms,” and there are clear guidelines and procedures for reporting and investigations. To prevent such incidents at a time when the proportion of women is increasing, the Federal Army relies on equal opportunities and women’s representatives in the various departments, who are also available to address such concerns, as well as training and awareness measures. for all members of the military.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
