Kuwait pledges tougher action to protect families, women, and children
GCC forum spotlights domestic violence measures and digital safety for youth as Kuwait expands support for abuse victims, urges unified Gulf efforts
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, said Kuwait remains committed to strengthening family stability and protecting vulnerable groups.
In remarks at the fourth Gulf Family Forum, which was held under the theme ‘A stable family in a changing world’, Dr Al-Huwailah revealed that the Supreme Family Council has introduced stricter measures to combat domestic violence and safeguard women and children.
She disclosed the council has provided 143 psychological and social counseling sessions for victims of violence and emphasized the government has expanded the support services, including psychological care, financial assistance, and an advanced sheltering mechanism for abused women, reports Al-Qabas daily.
“The family is the solid nucleus of development and stability,” she stressed, calling for unified Gulf efforts to preserve values, exchange expertise, and implement practical plans that enhance quality of life for families.
She pointed to Kuwait’s constitutional and legislative framework, which includes the Family Law of 2015 and the Domestic Violence Protection Law of 2020, along with specialized support centers for victims.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al-Budaiwi, also addressed the forum, warning of the growing challenges families face amid rapid technological change.
He highlighted a joint GCC initiative on digital safety for children, adopted in 2023, aimed at training youth aged 5 to 18 in safe internet use and protection against online abuse.
Al-Budaiwi noted that children remain a priority across the GCC, with universal access to free education, health services, and digital resources. He also underlined ongoing efforts to empower women, support the elderly, and strengthen Gulf identity through awareness initiatives and statistical publications that engage youth.
Both Al-Huwailah and Al-Budaiwi expressed hope that the forum would yield actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation, reinforce family resilience, and address emerging social challenges in the Gulf.
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