Mr. Chair,
Norway fully aligns with both the joint statement delivered by Malta and the statement of the European Union. In addition to these, I would like to make some remarks in my national capacity.
Although we regret that this event could not be held as a security dialogue due to one state’s unacceptable and obstructive blocking of the Forum, we are grateful to the chair for putting this important topic on the agenda of the FSC, where it firmly belongs. I also thank the panelists for their insightful and excellent presentations.
First, let me pay tribute to the many brave Ukrainian women who continue to fight the Russian aggression, in particular those on the frontline. We will continue to support these women in all their efforts to defend their country.
The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is a Norwegian foreign and defence policy priority. We are currently implementing our fifth National Action Plan, which constitutes a pillar in the management of our security sector.
Norway remains committed to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all areas where decisions of security are made. As a country where conscription is bound by our constitution, it became an imperative for the sake of gender equality to extend this duty to the entire population. As a result, we have experienced increased capacity, enhanced operability, and higher morale among our troops.
For most states, universal conscription is a major step for any military, and you have learned of many of its benefits from a Norwegian perspective today. I would like to highlight that in Norway, more young people want to serve than we currently select for service. This is, in part, due to the benefits experienced by the ones serving, including conscripted privates. After their service, both female and male soldiers report a sense of empowerment, increased self confidence, and an increased understanding of the need to find common and communal solutions. They report that exposure to different situations is challenging but allow them to develop a solution-oriented mindset.
Mr. Chair,
As the Norwegian conscription system has been duly presented, allow me to take this opportunity to share some testimonies from conscripts who have completed their service.
One conscript emphasised the sense of resourcefulness she gained: “I became much more independent and solution-oriented. I learned that I can handle and take lead much more than I anticipated, and felt more prepared in responding to incidents also in civilian life.”
Another felt more empowered on a personal basis: “I would say that the main outcome from my service was that I really learned to stand up for myself, both in terms of personal boundaries and to really face the difficult battles, even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment.”
Reflecting on the gendered aspects of conscription service, one soldier stated: “In day-to-day life, gender just wasn’t a topic. During the most challenging exercises and difficult operations, never did my team at any point think that we were there for any other reason than our training, and our resolve.”
Another did not feel she got as much out of her service but felt a sense of responsibility: “I cannot say that service gave me anything in particular. I have developed as a person since I was 19, but I cannot allocate this development to this period in my life. I simply put my head down and did the work that was required of me.”
In general, conscripts emphasise the lasting sense of empowerment the service awarded them. They expressed a greater ability to respond in crises, and a strong sense of community. Others had a less monumental experience. These are no different from the experiences of men in the same situation.
Thus, the universal service is not only a benefit for the armed forces, it also returns more experienced and capable citizens to the civil society.
Mr. Chair,
Let me again thank you for putting this topic on the agenda, and invite all of you to further dialogue as to how we can achieve the best possible results, for our citizens, states and as an international community. There is of course no one size fits all in increasing female participation in the armed forces. We hope Norwegian perspectives can inspire, and we look forward to learning from others.
For, at the end of the day, female participation in our armed forces is not a mere moral imperative, but an operational one, key to the security of our societies.
Thank you.