NATO published a summary of a meeting on how armed forces can recruit and retain more women. The session was organized by the International Military Staff's Office of the Gender Adviser at NATO Headquarters on 15 July.
Officials and researchers from Canada, Sweden and the United Kingdom discussed recruitment, workplace culture, family duties, parental leave and physical standards. Sweden reported that women made up 17 percent of its military personnel, despite stronger representation among civilian staff.
Participants said recruitment targets alone were not enough and that armed forces also needed policies that supported long careers. The discussion formed part of NATO's work on women, peace and security and the effective use of personnel.