By Sheikha Suhaila Al-Sabah
Managing Editor
Kuwait is a pioneer in supporting and empowering women. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in enhancing the role of women in various fields. This progress reflects the state’s significant efforts to bridge the gender gap and ensure women’s active participation in building society. These achievements have been achieved thanks to supportive policies and legislation that enhance the status of women and open new horizons for them in various fields.
In the economic field, Kuwaiti women stand out as key partners in driving development. At the Central Bank of Kuwait, women constitute 54.8 percent of the workforce, confirming their ability to assume leadership and supervisory positions in major financial institutions. Women also occupy 54 percent of positions at the Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation, a vital sector on which the Kuwaiti economy relies heavily. These high percentages are not just numbers; they reflect the state’s confidence in women’s capabilities and its belief in their effective role in achieving economic growth.
In the judicial sector, 19 female Kuwaiti judges have been appointed, demonstrating the role of women in achieving justice and contributing to the development of the judicial system. The presence of women in this field reflects an evolution in societal perceptions of their role. They have become essential partners in making judicial decisions that impact the lives of individuals and society.
Kuwaiti women have been able to assume leadership positions, with many female judges serving in various courts, enhancing justice and reflecting societal confidence in their competence. This step not only strengthens the status of women but also contributes to the development of the judicial system as a whole, as diversity of opinions and experiences is an important factor in achieving justice.
Kuwaiti women have also emerged in the diplomatic field, holding 14 diplomatic positions, reflecting their ability to represent the country in international forums with competence and professionalism. This diplomatic representation enhances Kuwait’s image as a country that supports equality and believes in the role of women in building international relations. Kuwaiti women have proven their ability to represent the country in international forums.
They have successfully participated in formulating foreign policies and negotiating important agreements. The presence of women in the diplomatic corps enhances Kuwait’s global image and supports its efforts to achieve peace and development. The achievements of Kuwaiti women are not limited to civilian fields, but extend to the security and military sectors.
Kuwait has also witnessed the entry of women into fields traditionally considered the exclusive domain of men. Women in the armed forces and police have proven their competence, reflecting that women can be effective partners in protecting the homeland and enhancing security.
More than 900 women serve in the police force, in addition to 32 female soldiers in the fire department. These figures confirm that Kuwaiti women are capable of shouldering significant responsibilities in fields that require courage and sacrifice. Their participation in these fields therefore reflects an evolution in societal perceptions of the role of women, as they are now capable of working in fields traditionally considered the exclusive domain of men.
Globally, Kuwait has achieved remarkable progress in indicators of women’s empowerment, ranking 62nd globally on the Women and Peace Index. Kuwait is also the first Gulf country to adopt women’s empowerment initiatives in the private sector, confirming its leadership in this field. These achievements reflect the state’s significant efforts to enhance the role of women in building society and position.
Kuwait as a model for the region
In the cultural and educational fields, Kuwaiti women hold prominent leadership positions, with four female directors working at the National Library, reflecting their role in promoting culture and knowledge in society. Women also contribute significantly to the development of the educational system, holding numerous leadership positions in educational institutions. This active role of women in these fields contributes to building an informed and educated generation capable of facing future challenges.
The presence of Kuwaiti women in leadership positions in financial and cultural institutions also contributes to driving economic and developmental progress. The active participation of women in these fields enhances innovation and opens new horizons for sustainable development.
These achievements confirm that Kuwaiti women are key partners in building the future, and there is no doubt that these successes will be a catalyst for further progress and prosperity in the coming years. By supporting women, Kuwait demonstrates that it believes in equality and works to enhance the role of women in all fields, making it a role model for the region and the world.
The Kuwaiti government and civil society continue to support initiatives that enhance women’s rights, including education and vocational training programs, which contribute to increasing the percentage of women in the labor market.
These efforts are not merely individual steps, but rather part of a comprehensive vision aimed at achieving a balanced society where justice and equality prevail. The achievements of Kuwaiti women reflect society’s commitment to empowering and supporting them, making Kuwait a role model in promoting women’s rights and empowering them in all aspects of life.
