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Feminist pressure and recruitment shortages are leading to a strong rise in the numbers of women in the Armed Forces, an international conference in Brisbane will be told.
Dr Gerhard Kuemmel from the Bundeswehr Institute of Social Research in Germany will join a host of leading academics and social science researchers to wrestle with the broad spectrum of issues concerning the integration of women into the Armed Forces around the world, at the XV World Congress of Sociology in Brisbane in July 2002.
Dr Kuemmel, Executive Secretary of the Research Committee on Armed Forces and Conflict Resolution, said there has been a substantial increase in the number of female soldiers, especially in Western countries.
He said Australia, which does not allow women in infantry combat units, was not immune to this pressure, which would only increase.
“There are a number of reasons for the increased number of ‘the other soldier’,” he said.
“More and more countries around the world are now open to include women, this is especially true in Western countries.
“One reason for the increase is the feminist pressure for equal opportunity and socio-cultural changes,” he said.
“Another factor is the dire need of the military to recruit people.
“Technological change and changes in security and today’s political landscape can also be attributed to the increased integration of women into the forces,” Dr Kuemmel said.
A key discussion point during Dr Kummel’s research session on ‘the other soldier’ and the integration of women into the forces will be the resulting loss of combat power.
“A big issue to debate is whether female integration leads to a weakening of the armed forces, through loss of combat power.
“The increase of women also increases the risk of being sexually victimized in the forces,” he said.
“There are a range of issues and research results to be discussed during the conference with key players in the Armed Forces from around the world, ” he said.
The Congress, which will run from July 7-13 2002 and is expected to attract more than 3,500 delegates, will feature a set day program, with preliminary sessions in the mornings and with afternoons and night sessions set aside for research committees, and thematic working groups.
Adding a fun and party theme to the usual strong academic program, the Congress is already attracting leading academics and professionals across a range of industries, and will begin with a welcome reception at South Bank Parklands and opening ceremony at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre on Sunday 7 July, 2002.
Dr Kuemmel is available for interview and photo opportunities prior to the
Congress (contact details below), or in Brisbane during July. For further details
on the Congress or visit the website at www.sociology2002.com