KUWAIT CITY, May 15: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah affirmed on Thursday that Kuwaiti Women’s Day is a significant national occasion that commemorates 20 years of progress since women in Kuwait gained full political rights on May 16, 2005.

Speaking at a forum titled “Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals”, organized in cooperation with the United Nations' Permanent Office in Kuwait, Dr. Al-Huwaila emphasized that the event symbolizes national pride in the accomplishments of Kuwaiti women across various fields.

“Today we stand before a bright historical milestone that reflects a long journey of challenges, aspirations, and achievements,” she said. “Throughout this journey, Kuwaiti women have proven, with determination and resilience, their role as genuine and influential partners in the development and progress of the State of Kuwait.”

She attributed these advances to the political leadership’s unwavering support and strategic vision, which consistently highlighted the importance of empowering women and recognizing them as key contributors to nation-building.

Dr. Al-Huwailah noted that women currently make up 60 percent of the national workforce in the government sector, approximately 48 percent in the private sector, and hold 28 percent of leadership positions across state institutions.

She highlighted the growing presence of women in vital sectors including the judiciary, diplomacy, civil and military services, as well as the oil and financial industries. For example, women comprise 54 percent of the workforce at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, and hold 41 percent of leadership positions at the Central Bank of Kuwait.

Kuwait has also seen notable international recognition for its efforts in gender equality, having advanced 62 places in the Women, Peace and Security Index, and improving 10 points in the gender gap index. In 2023, Kuwait led the Gulf region in the Women’s Empowerment in the Private Sector Initiative.

Legislative reforms have played a key role in this progress, Dr. Al-Huwaila said, citing the abolition of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, which enhanced legal protections for women and aligned national laws with the principles of justice and equality enshrined in the Kuwaiti Constitution—specifically Articles 29, 8, and 9.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, she added, continues to act as a key partner in the empowerment process by launching initiatives to support women socially, economically, and domestically. These efforts are carried out in coordination with government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to create an enabling environment for women’s full participation.

Also speaking at the event, Ghada Al-Taher, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, praised Kuwait’s tangible achievements in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. She said the country's legislative and institutional reforms demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing women's participation in public life.

Al-Taher noted that during the 2025 Universal Periodic Review, the UN Human Rights Council commended Kuwait’s progress in advancing women’s rights, including policies aimed at combating violence against women, enhancing their economic empowerment, and boosting their presence in decision-making roles.

She underscored education as a cornerstone of lasting empowerment, pointing to UNESCO 2024 data showing near-universal female literacy in Kuwait, along with a marked increase in female enrollment in higher education — particularly in science, engineering, and technology — key sectors for a modern, knowledge-based economy.

Al-Taher also highlighted the strong participation of Kuwaiti women in entrepreneurship, academia, and public service. Government initiatives promoting women-led projects have been instrumental in expanding their influence across various sectors.

She applauded the international recognition of Kuwaiti women, such as Dr. Faiza Al-Kharafi and Engineer Sarah Akbar, who were featured in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women, along with others who have been honored in the fields of business and science.

Kuwait’s inclusive approach has extended to women with disabilities as well, Al-Taher said, through access to education, rehabilitation, and integration programs.

Reaffirming the UN’s continued support for Kuwait’s national empowerment strategies, she cited joint initiatives such as the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and UN Women, as well as STEM-focused educational programs developed with UNESCO to advance girls' participation in science and technology.

The event featured three dialogue sessions exploring key areas of women's contributions: Kuwaiti women in the public sector, the private sector, and civil society.