Kuwait to enhance women's rights with new consent law and family protection guides

KUWAIT CITY, July 24: Dr. Maryam Al-Azmi, Acting Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has announced that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through its Iftaa Department, has legally approved a significant new proposal. The proposal, which requires a woman’s consent through fingerprinting before completing her marriage contract, has been endorsed and is now awaiting implementation by the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has confirmed the approval, and details on the mechanism for its enactment will be released by the Ministry.

Dr. Al-Azmi highlighted that this measure is in response to international demands from organizations concerned with women’s affairs. She explained that the council is also working on a gender balance guide aimed at increasing women's representation in leadership roles and decision-making positions. Additionally, a family protection guide is being developed to detail the health, psychological, social, housing, and legal services available to victims of violence, ensuring these resources are easily accessible.

The council has formed a national team to improve Kuwait’s international rankings on women’s indicators. This includes training courses with relevant authorities and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to prepare a national strategy on women, security, and peace. Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ongoing to update the family strategy, develop a specific women’s strategy, and unify data on domestic violence. The council is also reviewing existing laws and legislation related to women, children, and families, with a view to proposing necessary amendments.

In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Al-Azmi announced plans to raise awareness about the impact of violence through seminars and discussion groups in collaboration with relevant authorities. A volunteer team, tentatively named “Friends of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs,” is being proposed to enhance community volunteer efforts. The council is preparing a calendar of international women’s days to boost activities during these periods and is establishing a mechanism to develop women’s skills, particularly in cooperative and municipal work.

A hotline for reporting domestic violence and a separate line for family consultations have been set up. A policy guide for the Center for the Protection of Abused Women is also in progress to ensure the confidential and systematic handling of cases. Two protection centers have already been opened in different governorates, with plans for a third center underway.

Dr. Al-Azmi reaffirmed the council's commitment to its mandates under Decree No. 401 of 2006 and the 2019 organizational structure. The council is dedicated to upholding local laws and international conventions that protect family integrity, focusing on strengthening family ties, preserving unity, and enhancing social security and stability.