Evaluating gender integration efforts in the Swedish Armed Forces

This multiyear project evaluates varied efforts to integrate “a gender perspective” in the operations of the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF).

Sweden has long been a champion of gender equality efforts, and exports gender knowledge (e.g. through varied government agencies and civil society organizations; including in the military realm). At the same time, the SAF have problems recruiting and retraining female servicemembers and face many issues other militaries encounter, such as sexual harassment and assault in the ranks, unequal opportunities for promotion, and more.

This project traces both the significant work done nationally in Sweden and internationally (via NCGM or at NATO) and critically examines its successes and shortcomings. It aims to produce broader knowledge about efforts to integrate “gender perspectives” in militaries and provide practical suggestions for adjustments in future policies on gender in militaries.

Research partners:

• Chiara Ruffa, Sciences Po (current)
• Mariam Bjarnesen, SEDU (previous)
• Ralph Sunberg, SEDU (previous)