Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti Women’s Day: A 20-year journey of empowerment and achievement
In this landmark 20-year journey, officials reaffirm that empowering women remains a core pillar of sustainable development and national progress
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, affirmed that Kuwaiti Women’s Day, marked annually on May 16, is a national milestone celebrating two decades of exceptional contributions and achievements since Kuwaiti women obtained their full political rights on May 16, 2005.
Speaking during a ceremony held yesterday in collaboration with the UN Permanent Mission in Kuwait under the theme “Strategies for Supporting Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 5,” Al-Huwaila said the occasion reflects national pride in the solid gains Kuwaiti women have made across all fields, reports Al-Rai daily.
“We are currently standing at a luminous historical milestone,” she noted, “during which we recall a long journey of challenges, aspirations, and successes, where Kuwaiti women have proven themselves as true and effective partners in the renaissance and progress of the State of Kuwait.”
She credited this progress to the visionary political leadership, which consistently emphasized the importance of empowering women and supporting their roles in building society.
Al-Huwaila emphasized that Kuwaiti women now constitute — 60 percent of the government workforce; 48 percent of the private sector workforce and 28 percent of leadership positions nationwide.
She highlighted their strong presence in key sectors, noting that 54 percent of senior positions at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are held by women and 41 percent of senior positions at the Central Bank of Kuwait are also occupied by women.
Internationally, she said, Kuwait has made notable strides such as — advanced 62 places in the Women and Peace Index; improved by 10 points in closing the gender gap and led the Gulf region in the 2023 Women’s Empowerment in the Private Sector Initiative
Al-Huwaila cited key legislative achievements, including the abolition of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, which enhanced protection for women and aligned with the Kuwaiti Constitution’s emphasis on human dignity, equality, and opportunity (Articles 29, 8, and 9).
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to being a strategic partner in empowering Kuwaiti women by launching social, economic, and familial initiatives in collaboration with government institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
Ghada Al-Taher, UN Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, praised Kuwait’s tangible progress in women’s empowerment.
She noted that during the 2025 Universal Periodic Review, the UN Human Rights Council commended Kuwait’s advances, particularly policies addressing protection from violence, economic empowerment and greater decision-making roles for women.
US Ambassador to Kuwait, Karen Sasahara, also praised the accomplishments of Kuwaiti women, saying, “I greatly admire the accomplishments made by Kuwaiti women and look forward to hearing their voices as they assess their current position, determine priorities, and define aspirations aligned with the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad for Kuwait’s future.”
As Kuwait celebrates this landmark 20-year journey, officials reaffirm that empowering women remains a core pillar of sustainable development and national progress.
