Global Q&A: “What do you think of the recent U.S. decision to end the ban on female combat troops?”

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, deploy from Pope Army Airfield, N.C., on Jan. 1, 2020. Additional troops from the brigade are deploying, the Department of Defense said on Jan. 3, 2019. (Capt. Robyn Haake/US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Locals from Russia to Chile have widely varying opinions on whether women should fight as combat troops, revealing differing views of women within different cultures. This is what Epoch Times reporters from around the world found when they asked locals in their areas: “What do you think of the recent U.S. decision to end the ban on female combat troops?”

Pyatigorsk, Russia Yuriy Bazavluk, Pyatigorsk, Russia. (The Epoch Times) Yuriy Bazavluk, 64, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Engineer Basically, I have a positive attitude, but not all roles are for women. Let’s say women can be good communications specialists, radio operators, and medics. But it is better for them not to take part in battles directly. After all, a woman is a woman. Her mission is to give birth and bring up warriors, future defenders of their fatherland.

Zaragoza, Spain Jesus Yela Perez, Zaragoza, Spain. (The Epoch Times) Jesus Yela Perez, 37, Cook/former Military Wilmer Alonso Caro Ruiz, Tunja, Colombia. (The Epoch Times) Wilmer Alonso Caro Ruiz, 29, Electronic EngineerFirst, even men should not go to war. It is more complicated. Now, war is more violent if there are women who go to war. I think it should not be denied if it is mandatory, but participation should be voluntary. In the case of the armed forces of my country, not all women go to war, but can support the war from other actions. It should be more voluntary than forced.

Toronto, Canada Andra Oproiu, Toronto, Canada. (The Epoch Times) Andra Oproiu, 26, University Student/Teacher’s College For women, this new decision serves as a step toward achieving equality with men in the workforce. Gaining employment should be based solely on the merits and achievements of the individual without reference to his/her sex, religion, or cultural background. Both men and women are capable of superior, quality work. The belief that women cannot do certain jobs is outdated and highly discriminatory at best. Women should have the chance to gain employment in the Army and Marine Corps just as much as they should have the chance at employment in any other field.

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Jonemario Silva Souza, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. (The Epoch Times) Jonemario Silva Souza, 37, Carpenter We are in the 21st century; women are more autonomous in attitude, independent, and do not want to be silent to men. When they do any work, they think before doing any activity, they have patience—things that men normally don’t. Women today can do all. The values are changed; I believe this is for the best.

Lund, Sweden Lars Sundberg, Lund, Sweden. (The Epoch Times) Lars Sundberg, 56, IT supportIf they (the United States) think that women are physically and psychologically/mentally strong, then I think it is OK for them to do it.

Puerto Montt, Chile Cintia Aguila, Puerto Montt, Chile. (The Epoch Times) Cintia Aguila, 22, Selling InsuranceI think war is a thing for men; it looks very ugly when ladies fight. Women look better doing housework, raising their children, and caring for their homes. Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “What makes you the happiest?” The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 21 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.