UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls
Kuwait has adopted a Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, which is something we have strongly encouraged. We see that Kuwait, and notably its Minister of Social Affairs, is taking Gender Based Violence seriously, by allocating effort and resources to open safe structures to shelter victims. Our Embassy is actively participating in the Orange campaign against Gender Based Violence.
You can for example currently see a photographic exhibition on violence against women, at the French Consulate and at the French Institute. In addition, the French Embassy will support the Kuwait Society for Human Rights in an awareness campaign soon to be launched on social media. Finally, we will also be distributing a brochure relating the conclusions of a diwaniya that was held at the Résidence de France on June 29 on this theme. These days we are also collaborating with the Ambassador of Australia H.E. Melissa Kelly, and I have taken part in the #16Days campaign, where 10 female ambassadors to Kuwait share their visions to unite and reduce gender-based violence.
We also have a partnership with the Kuwait Society for Human Rights on advocacy, using art and cartoons to reach the younger crowd. We do believe that eradicating violence begins with the education of children, boys and girls. Achieving gender equality should be a goal for all of society, men and women together. In an egalitarian society, bodies of all are respected, and gender-based violence will no longer have any basis. We can, all together, be proud of the progress made and of our work to eliminate GBV.
