Kuwaiti women break barriers in every field, reshape the nation’s future

The Times Kuwait Report

Kuwaiti Women’s Day stands as a powerful celebration of resilience, achievement, and national pride — an annual tribute to the remarkable women who have helped shape Kuwait’s history and continue to drive its future.

Commemorated every year on May 16, the Kuwaiti Women’s Day honors the groundbreaking moment in 2005 when Kuwaiti women secured their full political rights, setting the stage for generations of leadership, innovation, and trailblazing accomplishments across every sector.

Today, from ministerial offices to scientific labs, courtrooms to boardrooms, Kuwaiti women are not just participants in the nation’s development — they are architects of its progress, visionaries of its future, and symbols of a society that values equality, ambition, and purpose. In a heartfelt tribute to Kuwaiti women on the occasion of Kuwaiti Women’s Day, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah highlighted the extraordinary role Kuwaiti women have played — and continue to play — in shaping the nation’s journey toward progress and prosperity.

With deep admiration, His Highness hailed Kuwaiti women as pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, whose dynamic contributions span across every sector of society — from government and business to education, healthcare, and diplomacy. Whether leading at home or representing Kuwait on the world stage, these women are not only making their mark, but are defining the future.

Recalling their historic sacrifices and noble stands, the Amir lauded the unwavering loyalty and patriotic spirit of Kuwaiti women, whose courageous service and dedication to the homeland remain a source of national pride. Their journey, marked by determination and purpose, is a shining example of what it means to rise and lead with conviction.

Among their greatest milestones, His Highness celebrated the landmark achievement of full political rights, praising Kuwaiti women for their competence, wisdom, and proven leadership. This, he affirmed, is more than a right — it is a recognition of their exceptional merit and unshakable resolve.

His Highness extended warm congratulations and heartfelt blessings to all Kuwaiti women. He expressed his sincere hope for their continued success and empowerment as they forge ahead — raising Kuwait higher, inspiring generations, and leaving an indelible legacy of excellence.
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also expressed his deep pride in the prominent role played by Kuwaiti women in the nation’s ambitious journey of growth and progress.

His Highness highlighted the significant contributions of Kuwaiti women to the advancement of society, emphasizing the achievements they have made across various fields and their active participation in shaping a brighter future for the country.

Congratulating all Kuwaiti women — whom he warmly referred to as his sisters and daughters — His Highness wished them continued success in their efforts to serve the homeland and elevate its stature on all fronts.

Meanwhile, as Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti Women’s Day on May 16 each year to honor the historic granting of political rights to women in 2005, the day highlights the vital role women play in national development, recognizing their achievements across sectors such as education, healthcare, business, politics, and diplomacy. It serves as a tribute to their leadership, resilience, and lasting contributions to society.

The roots of Kuwaiti Women’s Day trace back to May 16, 2005, when the National Assembly approved legislation granting women full political rights, including the right to vote and run for office. This historic reform was championed by the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, whose vision for a more inclusive society was grounded in his deep belief in the importance of women’s participation in national progress.

In the 2006 National Assembly elections, Kuwaiti women cast their votes and stood as candidates for the first time. Just two years later, 27 women filed candidacy applications for the 2008 elections, many of them garnering votes that surpassed those of long-established male counterparts.

Then, in 2009, history was made again when four Kuwaiti women—Dr. Masouma Al-Mubarak, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Dr. Rola Dashti, and Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar—secured seats in Parliament, a defining moment in Kuwait’s democratic evolution.

Today, Kuwaiti women continue to break barriers and set new precedents. The current Cabinet includes three female ministers — Dr. Noura Al-Mishaan, Minister of Public Works; Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs and Eng. Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment.

In 2023, women held 28% of ministerial and senior government posts, a percentage that continues to grow in sectors such as diplomacy, the police force, the oil industry, and the judiciary. Their leadership extends well into the economic and banking sectors too, where they represent 54.8% of leadership roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait, and 23.6% of supervisory positions in the banking sector. Women now account for 34.1% of the total workforce in Kuwaiti banks.

Kuwaiti women are also excelling in fields such as medicine, engineering, scientific research, space science, and cybersecurity. These advances have been made possible thanks to the steadfast support from Kuwait’s political leadership, which has made women’s empowerment a national priority under Kuwait Vision 2035 — the country’s roadmap for sustainable development.

This commitment has earned international recognition. Six Kuwaiti women were recently featured on Forbes’ list of the 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen, while others have garnered prestigious awards in science and technology.

On the legal front, Kuwait has taken important strides. It is the first Gulf country to implement the “My Paper” regional project, aimed at improving legal protections for women and enhancing their ability to participate fully in society. In the economic arena, Kuwaiti women are increasingly empowered through small business support. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor facilitates the growth of productive families by providing soft loans, business incubators, and outlets to market their goods and services.

Kuwait’s strong advocacy for women is also visible in its ratification of multiple international conventions, including:

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
• The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
• The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children

Kuwait maintains close partnerships with the United Nations and numerous regional and global organizations to advance the status of women. These collaborations focus on building capacity, supporting leadership roles, and ensuring women are central to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As a result, Kuwait has earned widespread international praise for its sincere and strategic efforts to empower women, integrate them fully into society, and recognize their essential contributions to national prosperity.

From the parliament floor to boardrooms, from scientific laboratories to courtrooms, Kuwaiti women are leading change, inspiring generations, and shaping the future of the nation. Kuwaiti Women’s Day is not just a celebration of past victories—it’s a reminder of the journey still ahead, and the essential role women continue to play in crafting a stronger, more inclusive Kuwait.