Women's role in national defense should be equal to that of men, according to Rait Maruste's statement.
In a significant development, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Rait Maruste has expressed his belief that the involvement of women in national defense could increase its effectiveness. Maruste's stance challenges the current policy in Estonia, which he perceives as an example of outdated thinking.
The exclusion of women from active military service is increasingly viewed as a relic of the past, as modern defense needs emphasize inclusivity, equal opportunity, and the leveraging of all available human resources, regardless of gender. Many countries, including Estonia, recognise that women are fully capable of serving in various military roles, contributing to a more effective and representative armed force.
Estonia's shift towards encouraging female military careers has been evident since at least 2018, with increasing numbers of women attracted to military service as a career. However, the exact date when Estonia last changed its military service policies concerning gender is not specified in the most recent available information.
Europe is moving towards gender-inclusive conscription and voluntary service models. Countries like Sweden and Denmark have already implemented conscription for both men and women, with Denmark set to introduce this measure starting July 1, 2025. As a NATO member and in line with this European trend towards gender inclusiveness in defense, Estonia is likely to have updated its policies before or during this period.
Maruste's advocacy for women in national defense could potentially lead to policy changes in Estonia, sparking further discussions on the topic and challenging traditional views. His stance contradicts the Estonian Constitution's guarantee of equality before the law, as it pertains to active service.
The Estonian Constitution guarantees the equality of all citizens before the law, a principle that Maruste's views on women in national defense seem to contradict. If his advocacy results in policy changes, it would mark a significant step towards a more inclusive military in Estonia, aligning with the country's commitment to equality and modern defense practices.
For those seeking more precise details about Estonia's latest policy changes, checking official Estonian Defence Forces publications or government announcements from 2022-2025 could provide further clarity.
The advocacy for women in national defense by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Rait Maruste could potentially result in policy changes that align Estonia's military service policies with modern science and health-and-wellness practices, given the recognition that women are capable of contributing to various military roles. The push for a more inclusive defense sector could also facilitate a more effective health-and-wellness approach, considering women's health and its significance within the broader context of overall health and wellness.
