A delegation from the Kuwait Army’s Military Education Authority visited the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences on Wednesday to discuss strategies for enhancing the integration of women into the military.
The visit, led by Brigadier General Jassem Al-Omani, aimed to strengthen cooperation between military and security institutions, with a focus on promoting gender inclusivity within the Armed Forces.
According to a statement from the Army’s General Staff published by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the visit included a meeting with the Women’s Police Institute, affiliated with the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences.
The statement highlighted that the visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between military and security institutions and included a tour of the Women’s Police Institute facilities.
Kuwaiti women are allowed to serve in the military but only in roles restricted to medical, technical, and support services. Women were first invited to serve in combat roles December 2021, when Kuwait opened registration for women aged 18-26 to join the military, with 137 women applying on the first day. However, the program was abruptly suspended to seek approval from religious authorities. The idea has historically faced criticism from the Kuwaiti National Assembly, with some MPs arguing that requiring women to stay away from home violated Islamic law and traditions.
In response, the Ministry of Awqaf issued a fatwa in January 2022, prohibiting Kuwaiti women from joining the military. To address the controversy, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, then defense minister, introduced six new rules for female military service, including requiring guardian or husband consent, mandatory hijab, restricting roles to medical, technical, and support services, and prohibiting field exercises and carrying weapons. He emphasized that women would only serve in roles already available to them in the Ministry of Defense, such as medical, administrative, and support units.
However, Kuwaiti officials in recent months have urged further empowering women in the military. In January, First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah emphasized the important role of Kuwaiti women in the military, noting that they have proven their competence and ability to bear military responsibilities with skill and professionalism, whether in field, administrative, or technical areas.
This followed a meeting between Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Sabah Al-Jaber and Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Duaij, in December. The two officials discussed ways to enhance women’s role in the military by providing a supportive and motivating environment, enabling women to access various job opportunities that contribute to strengthening the efficiency of the Armed Forces. (Sources & Photo © Kuwait’s Army General Staff; KUNA)
