Defense Left-wing women warn of the consequences of the service-citizen initiative
Women from the left-wing political camp are opposing the service-citoyen initiative. Contrary to what its proponents claim, the initiative would not lead to more equality, but would instead expose women to additional duties.
30.10.2025, 12:09
SDA
The popular initiative "For a committed Switzerland (Service-citoyen initiative)" calls for compulsory civil service for all. This could either be service in the army or civil defence or an equivalent and recognized militia service. Examples cited include civil protection, cyber defense, education and healthcare. The Swiss electorate will decide on the referendum on November 30.
According to Bernese SP National Councillor Tamara Funiciello, the initiative is "well-intentioned but not particularly well done" from a women's perspective, as she told the media in Bern on Thursday. Women do not need compulsory service, but recognition of the unpaid care work they do today. "They need money and time."
Fear of wage dumping and discrimination
The opponents - who include representatives of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) and the Green Party as well as the SP Women - are calling for a reduction in working hours instead of a civil service for all in order to distribute care work more fairly. "The initiative fails to recognize that social cohesion has long been supported by the countless hours of voluntary and unpaid work," said Funiciello.
Cyrielle Huguenot, Central Secretary for Gender Equality Policy at the SGB, warned of the direct economic impact on nursing and care professions. The initiative could promote wage dumping, particularly in the care and childcare sectors. "Women would be used as cheap labor instead of us finally investing in fair wages, training and good working conditions."
The initiative would create further risks, argued National Councillor Clarence Chollet (Greens/NE). It would force women into the army, which is still deeply affected by discrimination and sexualized violence. Equality means ensuring free choice, respect and safety in every form of engagement.
