Women leading the fight to end violence against women
This initiative aims to provide an inspiring platform for talented and influential women to meet, share their stories, and build networks of solidarity working toward equality between women and men, while highlighting innovative initiatives and fostering the collaborations of tomorrow
The Ambassador of France to Kuwait, H,E, Olivier Gauvin, and his spouse, Mrs. Sayeh Gauvin, had the honor of hosting at the French Residence a high-level event entitled ‘Women Leading the Fight Against Violence Against Women’, as part of the Orange Campaign (16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women) and France’s 2025-2030 International Strategy for Feminist Diplomacy.
The event featured interventions by three Kuwaiti personalities recognized in their respective fields:
Al Anoud Al Sharekh, Director of Ibtkar Strategic Consultancy, on the fight against femicides and physical violence against women;
Taïba Al Humaidhi, founder of Lei Wa Lakom, entrepreneur and researcher, on mechanisms of economic violence and levers for equality between women and men in the professional sphere;
Shaikha Al Hashem, researcher in psychoanalysis and feminism, on the psychological consequences of domestic violence.
On this occasion, the French Ambassador stated, “I am very honored to see today at the French Residence Kuwaiti women from the economic and business, political, artistic and cultural, and security sectors, both entrepreneurs and leaders in the public or private sector, gathered here with a common commitment, talent, and recognized strategic vision in their fields.
“This initiative aims to provide an inspiring platform for talented and influential women to meet, share their stories, and build networks of solidarity working toward equality between women and men, while highlighting innovative initiatives and fostering the collaborations of tomorrow.
“We believe that by nurturing these connections and promoting a spirit of collaboration, we can amplify the impact of Kuwaiti women across all sectors, in an intergenerational manner, thus paving the way for future generations to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors,” the French envoy added.
Ambassador Gauvin went on to say, “This initiative follows the hosting in France, on October 22-23, 2025, the 4th International Conference on Feminist Diplomacies, and is part of France’s 2025-2030 International Strategy for Feminist Diplomacy. This strategy is based on five pillars.”
These pillars are integrated into all areas of France’s external action:
- Defend the rights and freedoms of women and girls;
- Prevent and combat all forms of violence against women;
- Promote women’s participation and representation in decision-making spaces;
- Combat economic and social inequalities that affect women;
- Mobilize funding and partnerships for equality between women and men.
These priorities are translated into operational actions: France supports projects led by local and international organizations. Since 2020, thanks to the Fund for Supporting Feminist Organizations, France has supported over 1,400 feminist civil society organizations in 75 countries, placing it at the forefront globally in supporting feminist NGOs.
It finances victim support programs and capacity-building initiatives, develops partnerships with multilateral agencies, and mobilizes dedicated financial instruments to ensure the continuity of interventions on the ground. These tools aim to improve prevention, protection, and support, while promoting women’s autonomy.
The event we are organizing today concretely illustrates the articulation between these five pillars. By connecting influential women, the meeting contributes to promoting women’s participation in decision-making spaces.
By giving voice to expertise on physical, economic, and psychological violence, it contributes to prevention and the improvement of support responses.
By fostering the sharing of best practices and networking, it opens avenues for partnerships between France and Kuwait, driving effective actions and positive impact for equality between women and men, the Ambassador said.
