Kuwaiti women hailed as pillars of development

16/05/2026

KUWAIT CITY, May 16: The country celebrates Kuwaiti Women’s Day on May 16 each year, in appreciation of the long journey in which women have been indispensable partners in building the nation and supporting its progress. From the Kuwait of the ‘Wall’ to the Kuwait of the Constitution, and onward to the Kuwait of the modern and contemporary State, successive stages of development were built by Kuwaiti men and women, working side by side. The once silent feminine presence, armed with determination and steadfast will, evolved into an active and infl uential force. Today, the ‘sister of men’ stands strongly in all sectors of the nation – an active and infl uential force in most important State institutions and leading development sectors.

Kuwaiti women have never been merely observers of the renaissance of the country, as they were present in every stage of its establishment, from the earliest beginnings until the foundations of the modern State were laid, leaving an indelible mark in various fields of work. Over the past decades, Kuwaiti women have proven their ability to balance family responsibilities with their professional roles, presenting a model that reflects strength of character, belief in the value of work, and commitment to serve the community. Today, Kuwaiti women are an inseparable part of the national landscape, with three female ministers in the government and dozens of women leaders in vital State institutions, particularly the judiciary, in addition to their active role in humanitarian, volunteer and charitable sectors.

Capital Governorate Council member Mishkel Al-Kulaib affirmed that Kuwaiti women have established themselves as essential partners in the development process and in community work. She praised the continuous support of the political leadership for empowering women and strengthening their presence in various sectors of the State, emphasizing the importance of promoting the culture of participation and social responsibility in order to achieve comprehensive development. Hawally Governorate Council member Dr. Fay Bin Salamah stated that Kuwaiti women have proven their ability to achieve success and excel in specialized fields for more than two decades, specifically in technology, cybersecurity and scientific research. She stressed the need to expand the representation of women in decisionmaking positions and in the technology sector, in addition to updating legislation related to the digital economy and flexible work systems.

Hadeel Maarefi, another member of the Hawally Governorate Council, said Kuwaiti women became partners in development after reaching leadership positions in the political, legal and economic spheres. She underscored the importance of spreading the culture of equal opportunity and respect for merit, alongside developing legislation that keeps pace with the modern labor market.

Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate Council member Eng. Ashwaq Al-Mudhaf asserted that Kuwaiti women were major partners in managing society even before obtaining their political rights. She emphasized that the selection criteria should remain based on competence and merit rather than classification, while stressing the importance of women keeping pace with digital transformation and artificial intelligence developments. Kuwait University Professor Dr. Suad Al-Zaid pointed out that Kuwaiti women established a prominent presence in the education, economic, energy and government sectors. She added that aspirations remain high regarding increasing the representation of women in political decision-making positions, and enhancing opportunities for flexible and remote work.

Alia Ahmed Sheikhan Al-Farsi confirmed that Kuwaiti women proved their presence and competence more than 20 years after gaining their political rights, succeeding in becoming essential partners in development and decision- making in various sectors. She indicated that the political leadership focuses on the empowerment of women, thanks for the support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as well as governmental efforts to activate the participation of women in State institutions. She added that Kuwaiti women today are capable, intelligent and influential in their fields, affirming their success in overcoming challenges and achieving balance and distinction in multiple fields.

Attorney Alaa Al-Saeedi reiterated that Kuwaiti women are vital partners in decision-making and development through their presence in ministerial, judicial, military, diplomatic and academic positions. She stressed the importance of continuing to develop the legislative and regulatory environment in order to fully support women and entrepreneurship.

Consultant Najat Al-Hashash, President and Founder of the Kuwaiti Happiness and Positivity Association, said that Kuwaiti women have made remarkable progress since obtaining their political rights, but they still deserve greater representation in decision-making positions. She called for updating labor and civil service laws to ensure equal opportunities and give women more access to leadership roles.

Social activist and General Manager of Livan View Company Amal Al-Livan indicated that Kuwaiti women are an integral part of shaping the development landscape rather than merely seeking opportunities within it. She praised the support of the political leadership, considering that the competence shown by women has proven stronger than challenges and societal perceptions. Businesswoman and real estate consultant Basma Al-Sultan said Kuwaiti women have, over the past two decades, moved from demanding rights to exercising influence within the economy and decision-making. She cited the growing presence of women in the real estate, investment, energy, technology and cybersecurity sectors, stressing the importance of supporting women in the digital economy and future-oriented industries.

Writer and visual artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami described May 16 as the ‘birthday of Kuwaiti women’. “Since obtaining full political rights, Kuwaiti women have proven their ability to assume leadership positions at all levels with high efficiency, in addition to contributing to the repeal of laws that infringed upon their rights, including honor-related laws and domestic violence legislation,” she elaborated, while expressing hope that efforts to amend the Personal Status Law will continue. She indicated that Kuwaiti women worked quietly until they achieved international recognition through merit, citing as an example the international awards won by her daughters, Munira and Fatima. She stressed that Kuwaiti women did not achieve these accomplishments randomly or by coincidence, but through effort and creativity.

Former Secretary of the Transparency Association and economic expert Dr. Manal Al-Kandari affirmed that Kuwaiti women have transformed challenges into successes, carving out a path filled with giving and achievement. She pointed out that Kuwaiti women have always been and continue to be essential partners in building and developing the nation through their effective contributions in various sectors. She stated that Kuwaiti women have proven that success is linked to willpower, hard work and self-confidence, while demonstrating honorable national and humanitarian positions under different circumstances. She emphasized that Kuwaiti Women’s Day signifies appreciation for a long journey of struggle, sacrifice and achievement. She added that the strength of Kuwaiti women lies in their ability to balance their family roles with their national and social responsibilities, remaining a shining example and a source of pride for Kuwait.

Huda Al-Kuraibani, an expert in cybersecurity and information technology, considers Kuwaiti Women’s Day an opportunity to highlight the true role of women in different fields. She said women have proven their ability to create their own place, become partners in decision-making, and maintain a voice in national and societal issues. She stated that empowering women is not limited to providing opportunities, as it also requires belief in their capabilities, appreciation of their efforts, and the creation of a fair and supportive environment that leads to success and continuity. She stressed that Kuwaiti women continue to fulfill their roles as mothers, leaders and innovators who contribute to building generations and shaping the future of the nation.

By Inaas Awadh and Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff