Heavy criticism of the defense's “rubbing panties”

Published 21 March 2024 at 18.22

Domestic. “If a new generation of young women is expected to defend Sweden, they should at least do it with proper panties.” This is what Lisa Nåbo, union president of SSU and Yasmine Malla, member of the Duty Council, write in a debate article in the Alting.

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Lisa Nåbo and Yasmine Malla refer to what they consider to be an 'unequal material supply' affecting female conscripts.

“Examples are many. There are still major problems with panties chafing and in some cases resulting in flesh sores after prolonged use. Defence's bra: are available in three sizes. Bras that do not provide enough support or have a zipper between the breasts. The equipment is not adapted to a modern defense force. This has made women overrepresented in the number of injury reports linked to how well the equipment fits the body “, they write in the Alting.

At the same time, conscripts do not receive the right information about and training in what it means to be a conscript woman, according to the duo.

“To a large extent due to the authorities' inability to educate themselves about the physiognomic conditions women have. Incorrect information and level of competence can mean danger to the individual's health. For example, women have a higher risk of suffering from iron deficiency, a vital mineral for the body's physique and fitness. Such undetected but commonly occurring situations could be prevented with the right information.”

Now there must be a “shift at a structural level”, according to the debate article.

“It is time for politics and the authorities to wake up to the wretched conditions of conscript women and make Sweden's armed forces a fully inclusive and equal organization.”