‘Purple Day’ initiative promotes inclusion, empowerment of people with disabilities
- ‘Empowering people with disabilities is a sustainable national responsibility’ — Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah said the “Purple Day” initiative represents an effective partnership between government institutions and the private sector aimed at empowering people with disabilities and strengthening their integration into society.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the conclusion of the three-day initiative, Al-Huwailah said providing services, benefits, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities enhances their independence, supports equal opportunities, and improves their ability to access essential services.
She said the initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and promoting accessibility and non-discrimination. She added that the program, launched by the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to protect disability rights and develop community initiatives that improve quality of life.
Al-Huwaileh noted that the initiative coincides with the “Purple Saturday” initiative, supported by the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which aims to highlight regional efforts to empower people with disabilities and encourage institutions to provide more inclusive services.
She stressed that supporting people with disabilities is an ongoing national and social responsibility that extends beyond specific events or campaigns. She called on private sector organizations and service providers to continue improving facilities and services that address the needs of people with disabilities and ensure their full participation in society.
The minister affirmed that the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Public Authority for Disability Affairs will continue developing policies that promote equality, inclusion, and protection of the rights of people with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive society.
The Purple Saturday initiative was launched by Saudi Arabia in 2021 and is held annually on the last Saturday of July with participation from GCC countries. The initiative encourages public and private sector institutions to provide accessible and high-quality services for people with disabilities.
