The current equipment and clothing is unisex, and not – or only somewhat – adapted to the needs of women, who account for 0.9% of the Swiss Army.
“The focus will be on fit and functionality,” armasuisse spokesman Kaj-Gunnar Sievert told news agency Keystone-SDA on Sunday, confirming a report in the magazine Femina.
The planned modular system of military uniforms and gear also applies to men’s supplies. It is in its final testing and procurement stage, Sievert said. Some 350 military personnel around the nation have participated in initial tests.
The new cuts and sizing apply to combat gear, backpacks, bulletproof vests and hydration systems. They should be introduced next year. Later, the off-duty uniform will also be updated. The current ones date back to the mid-1980s.
To increase the number of women serving in the Swiss Armed Forces, Defence Minister Viola Amherd has launched an offensive for the advancement of women. She says that the compatibility of military service, training, career and family must be improved.
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Swiss army looks at how to attract more women
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A defence ministry report has outlined measures to encourage the integration in the Swiss army of more women.
Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1
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International hot air balloon festival claims the skies of canton Vaud
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After a windy first day, the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) took off on Sunday. Dozens of hot-air balloons took to the skies over the Vaud Alps.
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Switzerland is excluded by the US from the allied countries for unlimited access to chips required for artificial intelligence.
An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival
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Eleonora Camizzi's documentary "Bilder im Kopf" (Images in Mind) won the Prix Visioni at the Solothurn Film Festival on Saturday evening. The prize, worth 20,000 Swiss francs, is one of three major awards at the film festival.
Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave
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Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva
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The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
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The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.
First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled
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The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.
Swiss survey finds employee productivity rises with sense of belonging
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A good team increases productivity. 81% of employees in Switzerland perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
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Army moves to retain women who have served abroad
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The Swiss army says women who have served in a peace-building operation abroad should be able to join the militia army directly.
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The number of new female recruits has virtually doubled in the last two years. The SonntagsBlick newspaper reports that a record 250 women volunteered for service last year, up 35% from the previous year and practically double the 2015 numbers. “Interest in security issues among women has increased with the crises in Europe, in particular…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.