Cyprus proposes law for women to join armed forces

Cyprus’s cabinet on Wednesday proposed legislation that would allow women to opt in to serving in the Cypriot army alongside their male conscript counterparts.

National service of 14 months is obligatory for all men above the age of 18, unlike women who have been excluded from roles in the military.

The draft bill requires parliamentary approval, but Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas told reporters after the cabinet session that women are expected to be recruited as early as October.