Women can now enlist voluntarily in the National Guard, for a minimum of six months, under a law passed by parliament on Thursday.

The law passed with 32 MPs voting in favour, while 15 – the Akel MPs plus independent MP Alexandra Attalidou – abstained.

Women will be able to enlist voluntarily, following a decree issued by the defence minister each year. In consultation with the chief of the National Guard, the defence minister will also issue a decision specifying the enlistment dates, the duration of service, the placement units and other related matters.

Voluntary military service – for females only – will be of a duration of at least six months. This type of service carries the same benefits as with mandatory conscription – points awarded for social insurance, plus eligibility to be appointed to a position in the public education sector.

Women will be eligible to enlist once they complete their high-school studies.

For males, the mandatory military stint is 14 months.

Having served in the military, women will become eligible to also serve as reservists if they so choose.

The stated aim of the new legislation is to enhance the operational capability of the National Guard.

In remarks on the House floor, Edek leader and MP Marinos Sizopoulos claimed credit for the proposal.

He noted that in other countries women serve in the army during non-wartime, therefore it made sense for women in Cyprus to serve given the situation here.

According to Sizopoulos, the first enlistment of women is planned for May.

In a post on X, President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the enactment of the law.

“Today’s decision marks an important step toward consolidating the principle of equality while also strengthening our defence structures,” the president said.