Kuwaiti Women’s Day marks 20 years of progress, power, and perseverance: Al-Huwaila
From the ballot to the boardroom: Kuwait celebrates two decades of women’s political rights
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, affirmed that Kuwaiti Women’s Day stands as a pivotal national milestone, commemorating two decades of achievement and contribution since Kuwaiti women gained full political rights on May 16, 2005.
Speaking during the Kuwaiti Women’s Day celebration held Thursday, within the forum titled “Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Sustainable Development Goal”—organized in cooperation with the United Nations Permanent Office—Dr. Al-Huwaila said the occasion reflects national pride in the tangible gains Kuwaiti women have achieved across all sectors, reports Al-Rai daily.
“Today, we mark a shining moment in our history—one that reminds us of a long journey filled with challenges, aspirations, and remarkable successes,” she stated. “Through determination and perseverance, Kuwaiti women have firmly established themselves as genuine and active partners in the advancement of our nation.”
Al-Huwaila underscored that this progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the country’s political leadership, which has consistently championed women’s empowerment and their integral role in shaping society and the state.
She highlighted that Kuwaiti women today represent:
- 60% of the national workforce in the public sector
- Approximately 48% of the private sector workforce
- 28% of leadership positions across the country
She also pointed to their growing representation in key sectors, including the judiciary, diplomacy, civil and military institutions, as well as oil and finance. Notably, 54% of leadership roles at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and 41% at the Central Bank of Kuwait are held by women.
Kuwait’s progress has also been recognized internationally. The country rose 62 places in the Women, Peace, and Security Index and made a 10-point improvement in narrowing the gender gap, in addition to leading the Gulf region in the Women’s Empowerment in the Private Sector Initiative for 2023.
Al-Huwaila further emphasized recent legislative reforms that enhanced women’s rights, including the repeal of Articles 153 and 182 of the Penal Code, which she described as a step forward in strengthening protections for women and promoting justice and equality—principles enshrined in the Kuwaiti Constitution, particularly Articles 8, 9, and 29.
“These constitutional principles reflect our commitment to human dignity, equal opportunity, and the central role of women within the family and society,” she concluded.
