Growing militarism: Lithuania considers women's conscription

Lithuania is discussing expanding its military conscription to include women as part of an "effort to strengthen national defense and make conscription universal in the future." Giedrimas Jeglinskas, the chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defense, expressed that universal conscription is inevitable. This aligns with trends in other countries like Denmark and Latvia, which are also considering integrating women into compulsory military service.

The Lithuanian government has already started permanent conscription for young people, with over 31,000 expected to serve. Additionally, students and graduates are being invited to participate in junior officer training. Men who have opted out for educational purposes will still be required to serve once their studies are completed.

Currently, women are expected to join the military on a voluntary basis. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence has emphasised the potential "benefits" of military service for young women, including “gaining valuable life skills.” Once again, the use of the "no discrimination" discourse to promote the conscription of women is problematic. While it may appear as an effort to ensure gender equality, the broader implications of militarising both men and women are troubling, reinforcing militarism among young people and society in general.

Sources:

Militarnyi, Women’s conscription to be discussed in Lithuania, January 30, 2025; Made in Vilnius, The conscription for permanent compulsory military service begins, January 27, 2025