German Army Struggles to Attract and Retain Women Amidst Shortage and Harassment Concerns

The German Bundeswehr is grappling with a critical shortage of personnel, and a persistent lack of interest from women is exacerbating the issue. Despite intensive recruitment drives, the number of women opting for military service remains disappointingly low. This trend is reflected in conversations with young women in Berlin, where most indicated that a military career does not align with their life plans, citing studies and other career aspirations.

Beyond the practical challenges of integrating military service with personal and family life, potential candidates are deterred by reported cases of sexual harassment within the armed forces. One interviewee mentioned hearing from female acquaintances in the Bundeswehr about frequent sexist situations, which dissuades her from considering the military. Official data supports these anecdotal accounts, showing women constitute only 13.7 percent of the Bundeswehr, with approximately ten percent in combat units, far from the goal of twenty percent.

Adding to the concern, the number of female applicants decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to a report by the Bundestag's ombudswoman for defense. This comes as the German armed forces aim to recruit at least 75,000 new soldiers by 2035 to meet national defense needs and NATO commitments. Sara Nanni, the Green Party's spokesperson for defense policy in the Bundestag, notes that the core problem is not just attracting women but retaining them. "We see that women join the army," Nanni told DW, "but, unlike men, they leave it faster, partly due to family planning. This is noticeable in many companies and economic sectors. However, in the Bundeswehr, it is particularly difficult to reconcile family and military service."

The Bundeswehr emphasizes its provisions for organized childcare, remote work, and part-time employment, but stresses that operational readiness always takes precedence. The issue of sexual harassment remains a significant barrier. Nanni acknowledges that while many male colleagues are respectful, instances of sexual harassment and discrimination occur, and she criticizes the ministry for not taking the issue seriously enough for many years. A specific investigation involving over 50 soldiers in the 26th Parachute Regiment in Zweibrücken due to suspected misconduct further highlights these ongoing challenges.