For over two centuries, the legendary Brigade of Gurkhas has been an all-male fighting force, revered for its bravery, discipline, and the razor-sharp kukri blade they carry into battle. But that could soon change.
Defence Minister Al Carns has announced plans to reopen talks with Nepalese officials about allowing women to join the Gurkhas, a historic step that could redefine one of the British Army’s most elite regiments.
“It’s Time for Change”
The issue was raised in the House of Commons by former Defence Minister Andrew Murrison, who pointed out:
“There is one part of the British Armed Forces that doesn’t yet have women, the Brigade of Gurkhas. Will ministers do what I sadly failed to do and rectify that omission?”
Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel who has served alongside Gurkhas in Afghanistan, was quick to acknowledge their immense contribution.
“They are some of the best forces that we have, and they do a fantastic job upholding the freedoms we enjoy.”
He confirmed that he would soon be meeting with Nepal’s ambassador to the UK to discuss the issue, alongside other key concerns.
A Long-Awaited Debate
The UK Armed Forces officially opened all roles to women in 2018, yet the Gurkhas have remained an exception. In 2021, the then British ambassador to Nepal, Nicola Pollitt, expressed her hope that Nepalese women would soon have the same opportunities as British women in the military.
Now, with Chandra Kumar Ghimire newly appointed as Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK, discussions on the future of women in the Gurkhas are set to gain momentum. Ghimire has already committed to addressing long-standing concerns of retired Gurkha soldiers, including the ongoing pension disputes for those who left the army before 1997.
The Legacy of the Gurkhas
Renowned for their fierce loyalty and combat skills, the 4,000 Gurkhas currently serving in the British Army are recruited directly from Nepal. Their regimental motto, “Better to die than be a coward,” speaks to their unbreakable spirit.
The prospect of women joining their ranks would mark a defining moment in military history, one that could bring modern equality to a regiment deeply rooted in tradition and honour.
As the UK and Nepal prepare for further discussions, one question remains: Will 2025 be the year that women finally join the legendary Brigade of Gurkhas?
