British Embassy launches quarterly ‘Women’s Diwaniya’ in celebration of Kuwaiti Women’s Day

In a significant step towards strengthening partnerships and empowering women in leadership positions, the British Embassy in Kuwait launched its first-ever ‘Women’s Diwaniya’ on Sunday.

The initiative coincides with the celebration of Kuwaiti Women’s Day, which was marked last Friday, and brings together influential female leaders from across a range of sectors.

The Women’s Diwaniya is set to become a recurring quarterly event, creating a dedicated platform for women to network, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue on issues that matter to them. The initiative reflects the Embassy’s firm commitment to promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and the active involvement of women in shaping society.

The launch of the Women’s Diwaniya follows the successful Women in Business-themed Ghabga hosted by the Embassy during the holy month of Ramadan, which was well-received by participants and stakeholders alike. It also complements ongoing British Embassy initiatives aimed at empowering women of all ages in Kuwait.

One such effort is the ‘Future Female Leaders in Sport’ program – a collaborative project between the UK’s Safeguarding Alliance and Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sport. This initiative supports young women pursuing careers and leadership roles in the field of sports, emphasizing the importance of safe, supportive, and inclusive environments.

In her opening remarks at the Diwaniya, Her Excellency Belinda Lewis, British Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized the significance of the occasion and the broader mission behind the initiative.

“Kuwaiti Women’s Day offers a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of women here, both past and present, and to inspire the next generation of female leaders,” Ambassador Lewis stated.

“It is also a chance to reflect on the shared and different challenges faced by women across the world, the progress made, and the barriers that remain. I am proud that the British Embassy team has hosted this evening’s Women’s Diwaniya, where female leaders from many different sectors can connect, collaborate and support one another.”

The Diwaniya brought together an impressive and diverse group of female leaders representing business, education, healthcare, civil society, media, and government. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions around leadership, opportunity, innovation, and the evolving role of women in shaping Kuwait’s future.

With the success of this first event, the Embassy’s Women’s Diwaniya is expected to evolve into a dynamic and sustainable platform for dialogue, mentorship, and cross-sector cooperation. The Embassy reaffirmed its dedication to continuing its support for women’s leadership and empowerment in Kuwait through such impactful engagements.