Kuwait reaffirms women’s empowerment as vital pillar for sustainable development
The State of Kuwait reaffirmed Tuesday that empowering women and enhancing their participation in decision-making constitute a national priority and a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs) during discussions on the “Advancement of Women,” Second Secretary at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN Wafiqah Al-Mulla highlighted state efforts to expand female participation across diplomatic, judicial, military, security, and scientific sectors.
Al-Mulla cited milestone achievements, including the increase of female judges and public prosecutors to 122, the historic appointment of the first female Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, and the graduation of the first cohort of female officers in the Kuwait Fire Force. She emphasized that these milestones reflect Kuwait’s commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and the expanding institutional role of Kuwaiti women.
Al-Mulla added that the National Committee for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 continues to build capacity across national bodies, including judicial, security, and defense ministries, while drafting a national implementation plan in coordination with ESCWA to establish clear execution and monitoring mechanisms.
On legislative protection, Al-Mulla highlighted the enactment of Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 on protection from domestic violence, alongside new regulations for shelters for abused women and the government’s 2026-2029 family protection program. She emphasized that these initiatives fortify national prevention, protection, and rehabilitation systems, noting that women’s empowerment remains unattainable without safeguarding women and girls from all forms of violence.
Al-Mulla concluded by affirming that empowering women extends beyond expanding participation opportunities to cementing their roles as essential partners in policy formulation, peacebuilding, and national development.
She emphasized that Kuwait will continue translating recent progress into sustainable institutional mechanisms that safeguard women’s rights and dignity, adding that “the full participation of women is not an option, but a necessity.”
— KUNA
