Women’s conscription to be discussed in Lithuania

8 January, 2025 Servicewoman of the Lithuanian army.

2024. Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Defense Lithuania will discuss extending the period of compulsory military service and the possibility of drafting women.

According to the chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defense, Giedrimas Jeglinskas, the future draft of women for compulsory military service is inevitable. "We have to come to a point where military conscription will become universal. (...) I think it is inevitable," Jeglinskas stated. However, according to him, at the initial stage, women should be invited to military service on a voluntary basis.

"I believe that we should not discriminate against women. In my opinion, this service should become a school of survival for every young person, after which they will be more confident, better understand what they want in life, and know how to act if necessary to defend themselves," the official explained. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has announced the start of conscription for compulsory military service in 2025.

According to the Lithuanian Army, almost 3.9 thousand people are expected to be called up for permanent compulsory initial military service this year. In addition, several hundred more students or graduates of higher education institutions will be able to serve by taking part in training courses for junior commanders. Men and women between the ages of 18 and 38 who were not on the list at the time will still be able to serve on a voluntary basis.

They will be given the opportunity to choose the place and time of service and receive the maximum cumulative payment.

Women in the Lithuanian army. Source: delfi.lt

In neighboring Latvia, Defense Minister Andris Spruds also supports the idea of introducing compulsory military service for women. The Danish government plans to start drafting women into the military and increase the length of service to maintain the country's defense capabilities.

As previously reported, the United States plans to start registering women for military service.

So far, only men are required to register, regardless of their gender identity.