By Ra Wai | MPA
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has raised the prospect of expanding the role of women in the armed forces, sparking fears that the junta may soon extend its forced conscription law to include women.
Speaking to troops and their families at the Central Command in Mandalay on Sunday, the Senior General emphasised that the integration of female personnel with male soldiers would significantly strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
He explicitly referenced data from the 2024 census, noting that women make up the majority of Myanmar’s population. He argued that this demographic reality means the potential labour force of women is substantial and should be utilised for national security.
While the military has officially been conscripting men since early 2024, the inclusion of women has remained a subject of speculation.
Political observers believe the General’s comments may be a precursor to official policy.
“According to conscription lists, they have already forcibly recruited up to 100,000 men by the end of 2025,” a political activist based in Monywa told MPA.
“It is possible that Min Aung Hlaing is testing the waters with these remarks to prepare for opening female military training courses this year. There is nothing he doesn’t dare to do.”
Although the military council has not officially announced the start of female conscription, reports suggest pilot programmes may already be underway.
The Myanmar Defence & Security Institute (MDSI), citing internal military sources, reported that a first batch of female conscripts began training in June 2025. The training reportedly took place at the No. 4 Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Training School in Hmawbi, Yangon Region.
The junta has yet to confirm the existence of these courses.
Meanwhile, the conscription of men continues to accelerate. The 20th batch of military training for male conscripts began on 15 December 2025.
