KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Children Affairs Sheikh Feras Saud Al-Sabah said Friday that women play a fundamental role in progressing and building the state for a better future. On International Women’s Day, Sheikh Feras, Chairman of Supreme Council of Family Affairs, congratulated Kuwaiti women as an essential partner in development, stressing that Kuwait has been paying much attention to women and keen on empowering them for their positive role in all domains. Women have made several achievements in multiple fields, and taken part in setting national strategies, the minister said.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General’s Representative in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher said Friday Kuwaiti women have deep contributions to, and played a vital role in, the advancement of the society. Speaking to KUNA in a statement on International Women’s Day, Al-Taher said she realized that there are still differences between men and women in all aspects of life, adding that the UN has been committed to supporting initiatives empowering women for social and economic leadership.

She noted that the UN would continue cooperation with its partners in Kuwait regarding policies that boost women’s welfare. Empowering women is not only a moral necessity, but also a strategic investment in sustainable development of “our” societies, she stressed, pointing to investing in human capital as part of the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035.

In addition, Al-Taher showed sincere solidarity with Palestinian women who have been facing unprecedented challenges amid complicated geopolitical conditions. She affirmed the UN commitment to backing Palestinian women in getting their rights and dignity, calling for achieving their security and helping them accomplish their aspirations for a prosperous and fair future.

GCC honor

The Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council honored Secretary-General of Kuwait Women’s Cultural and Social Society Ghada Al-Ghanem and the first head of the GCC Mission to the European Union (2006-2017) Ambassador Amal Al-Hamad as leaders of GCC action. A ceremony was held on Friday under the slogan of “inspiring Gulf woman,” with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi attending alongside with a number of diplomats, public figures and female leaderships. Speaking at the function, Al-Budaiwi extolled the Gulf women for the great roles they play in all aspects of life and the achievements they made on the regional and international arenas. He expressed hope that the Gulf women will add more achievements in the future, renewing the support of the GCC to the empowerment of females in the coming decade. The ceremony features a documentary on the achievements of the honored celebrities and a dialogue on “Gulf woman from empowerment to inspiration.” — KUNA