July 18, 2018: The Nepali Gurkhas, part of the British Army for more than 200 years, are to recruit their first female soldiers, according to the Sunday Times.

A tough selection test, which requires candidates to race up a hill in Nepal while carrying 55lbs of sand in a wicker basket, will be open to women next year. Fitness requirements would not be relaxed for women, according to the report. The first female Gurkhas could arrive in the UK for infantry training in spring 2020.  Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary, said this weekend, “The Gurkhas are renowned as one of the best fighting forces in the world with a proud history of serving Her Majesty, and it is right that women have the opportunity to serve in this elite group.”

Traditionally a male-dominated society, Nepal elected its first female president, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, in 2015.

Read more: UK to Recruit Female Soldiers from Nepal (www.thetimes.co.uk)

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