KUWAIT CITY, May 18: The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) celebrated a group of Kuwaiti women who have made significant contributions to society during a special ceremony held on Sunday. Titled "Success Story... Shining Models of Kuwaiti Women," the event honored individuals for their roles in various fields including medicine, innovation, arts, literature, media, sports, education, and community leadership.

Aisha Al-Mahmoud, the Assistant Secretary General for Culture at NCCAL, addressed the gathering, explaining that the celebration was part of the national observance of Kuwaiti Women's Day, which takes place on May 16 each year. The event also aligned with Kuwait's designation as the "Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025."

Al-Mahmoud emphasized that the ceremony not only served as a form of recognition but also aimed to highlight the inspiring stories of women who have excelled in diverse areas, thereby contributing to the nation's creativity and development. She pointed out that the NCCAL, as part of its cultural and national duties, believes that empowering women goes beyond laws and policies. It also involves public recognition of their achievements, documenting their contributions, and making their stories a source of inspiration for future generations. Al-Mahmoud underscored that the event reinforced the role of Kuwaiti women as essential partners in shaping the nation's future.

Among those honored were renowned actress Hayat Al-Fahad, celebrated for her influential role in enriching the Kuwaiti and Gulf artistic scene, and director Ruqayya Al-Kout, recognized for her significant impact on the development of Kuwait's theatrical movement. Opera singer Amani Al-Hajji was acknowledged for her international representation of Kuwait in the arts, while media personality Aya Ibrahim was honored for promoting musical culture.

The ceremony also recognized Ibtisam Al-Qoud, President of the International Organization for Women's Empowerment and Capacity Building, for her exceptional work in advancing women's issues. Dr. Abeer Al-Ameeri, Vice President of the Kuwait Society for Information Technology, was celebrated for her efforts in empowering women in the technology sector. Other honorees included Dr. Nahla Al-Maie, a pioneer in nuclear medicine, and inventor Hawra Shaaban, recognized for her achievements in scientific innovation. Visionary athlete Shamail Al-Mulla was also honored for her accomplishments in sports, particularly in shooting and running.

In their speeches, the honorees expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a validation of their careers and contributions. They also emphasized the responsibility this honor brings, motivating them to continue their work and make further advancements in their respective fields.