Kuwait delays recruiting women to army after clerics' recommendations

Kuwait has shelved plans to begin training its first female army recruits, following pushback from religious authorities in the country, according to local media reports.

The decision by Defence Minister Hamad Al Jaber came during a meeting with Muslim clerics who insisted that authorities assess the move according to religious rulings and urged the input of the country’s religious endowments ministry and fatwa council, Al Rai newspaper reported.

“Abidance by rules of our Islamic religion is an area where there is no room for whims or personal preferences,” Al Jaber was quoted as saying.

In line with the clerics’ recommendations, the minister said training of female army members will be postponed until the relevant bodies are consulted.

Kuwait opened up recruitment for women wishing to join its army last month, drawing criticism from some over religious and cultural concerns.

Last month, the Kuwaiti army opened registration for women wishing to join it, stirring up a controversy over the step. Opponents said the enlisting contradicts the Islamic Sharia law and Kuwaiti traditions.

The recruitment drive was open to Kuwaiti women with university, diploma and secondary degrees between the ages of 19 to 26. Applicants are also required to have good physical fitness and are required to attend an interview.