At the sitting held on 27 May, the Gender Equality Committee discussed in principle the Bill on Military, Labour and Material Duty from the aspect of gender equality. The sitting was chaired by Bojana Stanojevic, Committee Deputy Chairperson.

Elaborating the new Bill, the representatives of the Ministry of Defence pointed out that the experiences of 33 countries have been used in its drafting, as well as Serbia’s own tradition and experience in the field. The Bill regulates the inclusion of women into Serbia’s defence system in a new manner, starting from their enrollment in the Military Academy to gaining the status of professional soldiers and officers of the highest rank. Women in Serbia are not liable for military duty in the sense of obligatory military service, but do their military duty by serving in the reserves.

The Committee members accepted the Bill and noted that its implementation will contribute to regain the trust in the Serbian Military and motivate young people to do their regular military service. Regarding civilian service, the representatives of the Ministry of Defence said that the issue will be regulated by the new Law on Civilian Service, and that these persons shall not have the status of military personnel.