His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
KUWAIT CITY, May 17: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marking Kuwait Women's Day on Friday, expressed pride in the noticeable contributions by women in building and developing the dear homeland. His Highness the Amir affirmed the effective role undertaken by the Kuwaiti woman in various fields at the local and international levels through her serious participation in achieving the comprehensive development aspirations. He proudly noted the honorary patriotic stands that have been taken by the Kuwaiti women in various phases of the homeland's history, demonstrating a sincere commitment in serving the dear homeland, thus earning widespread admiration. He lauded the Kuwaiti woman's achievements, namely attaining her full franchise and congratulated all Kuwaiti women on this annual occasion, wishing them success in continuing their faithful giving for the homeland. Similarly, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said he was proud of the eminent role played by the Kuwaiti women in the “ambitious march of our dear homeland.” His Highness the Crown Prince affirmed the significance of women's role in boosting the Kuwaiti society, alluding to the accomplishments made by Kuwaiti women in various domains. His Highness the Crown Prince expressed heartfelt congratulations to the gracious Kuwaiti women on the annual occasion, wishing them all success for serving the dear homeland and elevating its status. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah expressed pride in the significant achievements and contributions made by Kuwaiti women. He confirmed in a statement on Kuwaiti Women’s Day that Kuwaiti women’s journeys are filled with much success and achievement, affirming that women have been and will continue to be a fundamental partner to their male counterparts in various fields.
He stated that the Kuwaiti woman has proven her competence and ability to bear the burdens of responsibility in all state agencies and fields of the labor market. The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering Kuwaiti women and giving them a greater role in serving their country at all levels and fields, believing in their essential role in building society and elevating its status. Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti Women’s Day each year on May 16 to honor the pivotal role women play in Kuwait’s development, and it also marks the day Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights in 2005 by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. Since then, Kuwaiti women have made remarkable strides across all sectors, from politics and diplomacy to science and finance.
They first participated in parliamentary elections in 2006, and in 2009, four women were elected to the National Assembly for the first time in Kuwait’s history. In the 2009 National Assembly elections, Kuwaiti women achieved a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey with four women winning seats in Parliament they were Dr. Massouma Al-Mubarak, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Dr. Rola Dashti, and Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar, selected from among 17 female candidates who contested the elections. Today, Kuwait’s current cabinet includes three female ministers: Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan as Minister of Public Works, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah as Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Family and Childhood Affairs, and Noura Al-Fozan as Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment. Women hold 28 percent of top governmental roles, a figure that has doubled in sectors such as the diplomatic sector, security, oil, and justice.
In the Central Bank of Kuwait, women occupy 41 percent of leadership roles, while in the banking sector overall, they represent 35 percent of the workforce. Kuwaiti women continue to break barriers in medicine, engineering, space sciences, and technology, supported by strong political backing, also. Six Kuwaiti women were listed among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East, and many have earned global recognition in cybersecurity, healthcare, and space. Kuwait is also a pioneer in the field of empowerment of women and has implemented initiatives to support female entrepreneurs and productive families, Kuwait has also ratified key international agreements focused on eliminating discrimination and combating trafficking. This continued progress reflects Kuwait’s commitment to gender equality as part of its Vision 2035, affirming the essential role of women in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. (KUNA)
