KUWAIT: The world celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday recognized by the United Nations since 1975 to honor women’s struggles, achievements, and their active role in societal development and the pursuit of equality, while rejecting all forms of discrimination. Observed annually on March 8th, this day renews appreciation for the invaluable contributions women continue to make globally, showcasing their pioneering and civilizational roles in societal development and prosperity.

This year’s theme, “Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls,” calls for actions that ensure equal rights and opportunities for everyone, aiming for a future where no woman or girl is left behind. The year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, regarded as the most progressive framework for advancing women’s and girls’ rights globally.

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood, and Minister of Youth Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah grants four women in the Supreme Council for Family Affairs authority of judicial enforcement on May 16, 2024. -- KUNA

KUWAIT: The late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is seen with the first four Kuwaiti female parliamentarians in 2009.

Kuwait has always emphasized Kuwaiti women’s rights, actively raising awareness about their crucial role in society and making decisions to enhance their position locally and internationally. Kuwait also supports various legislative initiatives in United Nations conferences, meetings, and international forums, working to empower women and elevate their societal status. Global indicators of women’s empowerment show progress in Kuwait, with the country advancing from 123rd to 61st place out of 177 countries in a report by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security. Additionally, Kuwait improved by 10 points in the Global Gender Gap Index.

Kuwait has consistently integrated women into decision-making and government planning, aligning with Article 29 of the Constitution and the vision of “New Kuwait 2035.” The country also supports Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. Kuwaiti women have demonstrated their leadership in various sectors, a result of decades of advocacy. In 2005, women were granted political rights, a decision recognizing their vital role as active participants in society. Women now occupy 28 percent of leadership roles in state sectors, and their representation has increased across fields such as law enforcement, oil, judiciary, and diplomacy.

Notably, in 2024, four women were appointed as directors in the Public Prosecution, and 88 female prosecutors and 19 female judges are serving. In the security sector, 19 women joined the Amiri Guard, and over 900 female police officers serve in the country. In the economic sector, women hold 41 percent of leadership and supervisory roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait and 35 percent in the banking sector. Additionally, 144 women, or 22 percent of the diplomatic staff, represent Kuwait in its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and women make up 54 percent of the workforce at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Kuwait has been a regional leader in promoting women’s empowerment, becoming the first Gulf country to support women’s participation in the private sector. It also pioneered the “Waraqati” project, aimed at enhancing and legally empowering women’s rights. The Waraqati project, which was launched in the early 2010s, aims to inform women of all their rights as outlined in Kuwait’s Constitution and legislation, as well as in accordance with its international commitments.

The project has been implemented in six Arab countries, and its success in those countries served as an impetus for launching it in Kuwait, making it the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to do so. It was implemented by Kuwait in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development.

Kuwait has ratified several international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Kuwait works closely with the United Nations and regional organizations like ESCWA to develop the capabilities of Kuwaiti women, preparing them for more effective roles in achieving developmental goals and implementing programs related to their rights. — Agencies