Kuwait has officially opened army enlistment to women, a historic move in the Gulf country’s drive towards gender integration in national defense. The Ministry of Defense announced that female volunteers are now open for application for military service, starting with a compulsory three-month training program prior to formal induction into the military.
The choice is part of a wider effort to increase the number of women in public service, especially within industries where they have historically been underrepresented. The first training program, according to officials, will cover physical conditioning, military discipline, weapons training, and emergency response, equipping women for both combat support and administrative positions within the army.
Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed that including women shows the country’s dedication to national development and parity. “Women have had crucial roles in the strength of our society. It’s time they take their rightful place among our defenders,” he said at the inauguration ceremony.
Public opinion is divided, with progressive circles welcoming the move as a victory for women’s empowerment and conservative quarters registering concerns at diluting conventional military roles. Still, the Ministry is insisting on going ahead with the project, citing intense interest among highly educated young women interested in contributing to their country.
