If it is up to Secretary of State Boswijk, women will also participate in the <em>special forces</em>: 'We simply need them badly'

Dutch Secretary of Defense Derk Boswijk advocates for increased female participation in special forces, emphasizing the need for diverse teams. A pilot program, Athena Force, has begun training eight women for elite military roles. Boswijk aims to raise the percentage of women in the military from 13% to 30% by 2030, citing research that shows diverse teams perform better. He acknowledges the challenges of military culture and aims to address sexism within the ranks. The ministry plans to expand its workforce significantly, potentially reactivating conscription if necessary, while ensuring that women are fully integrated into all levels of the military.