National Guard opens doors to women in Cyprus

Cyprus announced on Sunday that women will be able to voluntarily serve in the National Guard for six to 14 months, starting in 2025. The news was revealed during the 60th-anniversary celebration of the National Guard, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides.

According to Yiannis Ioannou's story which was published in Kathimerini's Cyprus edition, the president stated that the decision would be formalized by the Cabinet in the coming weeks.

“In 2025, following a Cabinet decision expected soon, women will have the opportunity to volunteer for the National Guard, just like men, after completing high school or technical school,” Christodoulides said. Women will serve a minimum of six months and a maximum of 14 months, similar to their male peers.

The decision has sparked debate, particularly on social media, over whether women should serve in the military. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the National Guard, where women already hold positions as officers, non-commissioned officers, and contracted soldiers.

The plan hinges on a formal Cabinet decision and the drafting of a legal framework governing women's military service. It’s important to note that this will be a voluntary, not compulsory, service. The actual number of women who choose to enlist will be key to assessing the impact of the decision.

Women in the National Guard will have the option to serve either the full 14 months, alongside their male counterparts, or a reduced six-month term.

Globally, gender equality in military service has advanced significantly over the last few decades. Norway became the first NATO country to conscript women in 2013, followed by Sweden in 2017 and the Netherlands in 2018. Denmark plans to follow suit in 2026. Several non-Western nations, including China, North Korea, and Israel, also have compulsory military service for women.

Supporters argue that the voluntary enlistment of women could strengthen the National Guard’s ranks, which currently relies on a reserve force of over 40,000 in addition to its professional soldiers. Critics, however, point to logistical challenges such as additional training staff and the need for separate living accommodations for female recruits.

The inclusion of women could also enhance recruitment for other security services like the police and fire departments, as voluntary military service could become a prerequisite or merit for applying to these roles.

The decision to allow women to volunteer for the National Guard marks a significant step forward for gender equality in Cyprus. However, the debate over its implementation highlights broader questions about the role of the military and gender in the country. The public discourse around this issue is expected to continue as the government finalizes the necessary legal and practical arrangements.