Nepalese women to join UK’s Gurkha regiment in 2020

For over 200 years a male bastion, the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army will now induct Nepalese women, with the first female recruits set to join the elite regiment in 2020.

The rigourous recruitment will begin in Pokhara in central Nepal next year and the successful applicants will be flown to Catterick, North Yorkshire, for a 10-week training programme.

The Nepalese regiment has been part of the British Army for over 200 years, dating back to the British Raj, and has so far been the preserve of men. Now, female cadets clearing rigorous physical tests such as racing 5km uphill carrying 25 kgs of sand in a wicker basket will be able to fight alongside the men. “The Gurkhas are renowned as one of the best fighting forces in the world with a proud history of serving Her Majesty (Queen Elizabeth II), and it is right that women have the opportunity to serve in this elite group,” said UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.

Lt Gen Nick Pope, Deputy Chief of General Staff and Colonel Commandant for the Brigade of Gurkhas, said the new policy was consistent with the UK government’s broader decision to “open all ground close combat roles to women” from 2016. “There is a tradition of Gurkhas and Commonwealth citizens serving in the UK Army. We value their contribution to protecting the UK at home and abroad,” he said.

The recruitment will begin in Pokhara next year and successful applicants will be flown to Catterick, North Yorkshire, for a 10-week training programme