Swiss army implements half of anti-discrimination measures

The Swiss army has implemented eight of 16 measures introduced to combat sexism and discrimination, broadcaster SRF reported on Friday. The army said a cultural shift was making progress.

The action plan is based on a 2024 study on discrimination and sexualised violence. Almost half of the roughly 1,100 army personnel surveyed at the time, including two thirds women and one third men, said they had experienced gender-based discrimination or sexualised violence during their military careers.

The report found initial signs of improved practices. The relevant specialist office has received more requests for contact, including from men, while commanders have shown a clearer stance at the start of recruit schools.

The eight completed measures have been integrated into the army’s ongoing procedures. They include a compulsory online lesson for recruits, a code of conduct developed by the troops and an anonymous reporting tool. Seven further measures are being implemented.

One measure has been delayed: an information sheet on the rights of affected people. The army attributed the delay to an expansion of the underlying handbook, which is now intended to cover all army personnel categories, including professional military personnel.

All 16 measures are scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2027. A follow-up study to assess their effectiveness is planned for spring 2028.