Women’s rights sit at the forefront of political change

First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah this week praised the role of women in the military and interior sectors, emphasizing that they have proven their ability and merit in fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently in both administrative and technical fields.

While having a parliament is vital, recent years have highlighted challenges in ensuring that its role consistently serves the greater good. In some cases, the direction of parliament has not always been aligned with the broader societal needs, and its impact has varied.

There have been instances where certain members of parliament called for additional restrictions on women’s rights, including in areas such as social settings, work and lifestyle activities. A former defense minister faced considerable scrutiny over his stance on women’s enrollment in the military, which ultimately led to his resignation following a vote of no-confidence.

However, today, the government has made it clear that promoting and advancing women’s rights is of utmost importance. Kuwaiti women have always played a vital role in society, and the focus now is on further empowering them in various sectors.

Women make up more than half of Kuwait’s population, and their voices are just as important as those of their male counterparts. Kuwait has long been a beacon of progress in the region when it comes to human rights. Historically, when men were away at sea for months, women took charge of managing affairs at home. In the early 20th century, Kuwaiti women were pioneers in education, literature, and economics.

Women have been actively involved in shaping Kuwait’s history, from participating in the resistance during the Iraqi invasion of 1990 to serving as influential lawmakers in ministries and parliament.

Fortunately, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, steps have been taken to eliminate corruption and ensure that Kuwait remains on a path toward progress. This decision represents an important step forward in the country’s continued development.