Public lottery held for Class 1 candidates; part of efforts to expand women’s roles in military
KUWAIT: Kuwait has selected 51 university-educated women for its Officers’ Course, Class 1, in a public lottery witnessed by Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, marking a step forward in integrating women into the armed forces. The draw, held at Mubarakiyah military camps, reflects the ministry’s commitment to transparency and equal opportunity. Out of 654 applicants, 112 were included in the lottery, with 18 additional candidates placed on a reserve list based on the armed forces’ needs in scientific and literary fields.
Sheikh Abdullah praised the organizational procedures that ensured fairness and impartiality. The event was attended by senior officials, including Major General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, and Brigadier General Abdullah Al-Turkit, Commander of Ali Al-Sabah Military College.
Officials randomly select names of 51 university-educated women at the lottery held at the Mubarakiyah military camps.
Out of 654 applicants, 112 female candidates were included in the lottery, with 18 placed on a reserve list.
This lottery follows broader reforms to integrate women into Kuwait’s military. In April, Major General Sabah Al-Jaber held a meeting with senior military leaders to review the legal, administrative, and organizational aspects of female participation across ranks and specializations, emphasizing a supportive work environment and comprehensive training to ensure women can perform their duties efficiently.
Earlier, in January, First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah highlighted women’s proven capabilities in military sectors and urged further integration. In June, the General Staff announced initiatives allowing university-educated women to join Ali Al-Sabah Military College, complete a one-year program at the Women’s Police Institute, and graduate with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Women with lower academic levels were invited to volunteer, completing a three-month training course and receiving rank assignments according to education.
These measures are part of Kuwait’s ongoing effort to expand women’s roles in the military, which have historically faced political and religious scrutiny. Women were first allowed to apply for combat roles in December 2021, though the program was paused pending religious guidance. A fatwa issued in January 2022 limited women’s participation to medical, technical, and support roles under strict conditions, making the current selection a significant step toward broader inclusion. — Agencies
