Why German women are reluctant to join the army

Despite the German military's urgent need for new personnel, young women are showing a marked lack of interest in joining the Bundeswehr. Spontaneous interviews with women in Berlin revealed a common sentiment: military service does not align with their life plans, which often include higher education and careers. Some expressed a fundamental opposition to war, while others cited concerns about the prevalence of sexism and harassment within the armed forces.

This disinterest contributes to a significant gender imbalance. Currently, women constitute only 13.7% of the Bundeswehr's personnel, with their representation in combat units even lower at around 10%. This falls considerably short of the Bundeswehr's own target of 20% female representation. The situation is compounded by a reported decrease in female applicants in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the German Parliament's Commissioner for the Armed Forces.

The Bundeswehr faces a critical need to expand its ranks, aiming to recruit at least 75,000 additional soldiers by 2035 to bolster national defense and meet NATO requirements. While the military offers provisions such as organized childcare, remote work options, and part-time positions, the inherent demands of military readiness often conflict with family life, making it difficult for women to reconcile service with personal responsibilities. This challenge is exacerbated by numerous cases of sexual harassment and discrimination, which have been a persistent issue that the Ministry of Defense has been accused of not taking seriously enough for years.

Recent investigations into incidents within the 26th Airborne Regiment in Zweibrücken, involving allegations of drug abuse, right-wing extremism, and sexual offenses against over 50 soldiers, have further damaged the military's reputation. These investigations, initiated after complaints from female soldiers, have led to dismissals and the removal of the regiment's commander. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has condemned these events as "extremely shocking," signaling a push for more thorough scrutiny within the armed forces.

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A ministarstvo to dugi niz godina nije shvatalo dovoljno ozbiljno