The Cabinet has approved the right for women to volunteer in the National Guard. This decision will transform military service and promote gender equality in the country's armed forces.

Currently, only women who are either officers or contract soldiers are allowed to join the army, which has an equal law with men. However, under the new decision, women will be able to volunteer from the age of 18 if the House of Representatives approves the law. This move represents a significant shift in Cyprus' military policy and gives women the same opportunities as men to contribute to national security.

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his strong support for the move, calling it a defining moment for both the National Guard and the nation.

"This decision increases the readiness of the National Guard while granting women equal rights to military service. This reinforces the idea that responsibility for the country's security is collective," the president said.

The initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to empower women and increase their participation in all areas of society.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas stressed that this decision strengthens the defence of the Republic of Cyprus while recognizing the right of women to contribute equally to national security. He stressed that military service is based on values, skills and dedication and that the National Guard is evolving to meet modern demands by utilising the full potential of those who choose to serve.

The Cabinet approved the amendment to the National Guard Law announced by the President in September 2020 to allow women to enlist voluntarily. Palmas confirmed that the proposal will now be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval.

As part of this initiative, 2025 was declared the “Year of Women in the National Guard.”
The aim is to highlight the valuable role women play alongside their male counterparts in the armed forces and to recognize their contributions in all areas, from combat units and operational missions to specialty fields such as high-tech sectors, cyber defense, medical services and military diplomacy.

Regarding the implementation timeline, Palmas explained that the first recruitment of women is expected to take place in early October 2025. However, the government is considering the possibility of two recruitment periods, one at the end of May to give older candidates the opportunity to apply before the youngest high school graduates, and another in October for those who will graduate in the summer of 2025.

He also clarified that the recruitment process for women would be separate from that of male recruits.

The forced recruitment of young men remains unchanged.


Source: CyprusMail.com
Author: Charalambos Stylianou