Women in combat

World map indicating restrictions of servicewomen from operational positions and combat roles (2024). Color gradient ranges from dark green (No restrictions) to red (prohibition from both combat roles and handling heavy military equipment).

Women in combat refers to female military personnel assigned to combat positions. The role of women in the military has varied across the world’s major countries throughout history with several views for and against women in combat. Over time countries have generally become more accepting of women fulfilling combat roles.