Samenvatting

This article provides insight into the motivation of young women to join the armed forces and to choose a career in the military. This insight explains why women are still underrepresented in the Netherlands armed forces and can optimize future recruitment programs. An online Dutch questionnaire was completed by 148 women (out of a total of 483 respondents). We analyzed the data of these young women in comparison to the men in this sample to better interpret the descriptive findings. Three research questions focus on whether young Dutch women are interested in the armed forces, how they perceive the Netherlands armed forces, and what their motivation is for choosing a career in the military.

Women are very enthusiastic and interested in the armed forces. They know what they want, but they are not aware of the military’s efforts to be an inclusive organization. Society’s stereotypical thinking about the role of women and the image of the military may have led women to assume that the military environment is not such a good fit after all. Descriptive and injunctive norms, intrinsic motivating work aspects and the self-efficacy of young women appear to be important aspects in the motivation of young women and should be taken into consideration when designing new recruitment and communication strategies and promoting inclusiveness. Women also need more information about the different types of flexible contracts and career paths available within the armed forces. Female role models are important to inform, empower and win over women. The Netherlands armed forces should invest in the recruitment process and anticipate the interest, perception and motivation of young Dutch women to encourage them to apply and reduce stereotypical thinking.