Kuwait’s defence minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al Ali Al Sabah will face a vote of no confidence in parliament on Wednesday over a number of decisions, including one to allow women to enlist in the country’s military.
Women were formally allowed to join Kuwait’s police forces in 2007. In October, the country approved a new decision allowing them to join the military.
It will allow Kuwaiti women to enlist in combat roles for the first time after years of being restricted to civilian positions, the army said in October.
Defence Minister Sheikh Hamad said the door had been opened for women to join various combat ranks, including as officers.
“The time has come for Kuwaiti women to be given the opportunity to enter the Kuwaiti military side by side with their brothers,” the minister said in remarks carried by state news agency Kuna at the time.
However, women who have applied to enlist in the armed forces will not be able to start their basic training until an official fatwa, or religious edict, is issued.
Following his decision to allow women to join the military in October, several members of parliament debated the policy, forcing the defence minister to submit himself to questioning.
