Kuwaiti Women.. A Journey of Achievements, Empowerment -1-

In a statement to KUNA, Dr. Masouma Al-Mubarak, the first female minister in Kuwait history said that Kuwaiti women have their rights and duties, and they have played their role to constitute a significant percentage in the state sectors especially in education and health. Dr. Al-Mubarak added that Kuwaiti women have been empowered to hold positions in all sectors and have proven their impressive excellence and that they are scientifically and professionally qualified in various fields. She pointed out that the first part of empowering women is related to the woman herself, as she must strive and struggle, and the second falls on the responsibility of institutions, decision-makers, and laws to develop women's capabilities. She praised the level of empowerment and achievements of Kuwaiti women, hoping to see more of women's contribution in occupying leadership positions. For her part, Head of Mission of UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) to GCC and Kuwait Dr. Amira Al-Hassan told KUNA that the most prominent factor that made Kuwaiti women excel and prove their presence in all fields was the absolute support they received. Al-Hassan said that in addition to the government support, efforts included developing educational policies, raising awareness of the importance of women's role in society, strengthening legislation to protect their rights, and expanding their participation in all fields, family support is also important to provide the best education and qualifications for their daughters. She added that this cooperation between the political leadership, Kuwaiti families, and the legislative authority is considered evidence of societal commitment to empowering women and ensuring their rights. She explained that woman's rights in Kuwait cannot be limited to the right to run and elect, which she obtained in 2005, but rather they have existed for a long time. In 1993, Nabila Al-Mulla was the first Kuwaiti ambassador to gain the confidence of the political leadership. In the same year, Dr. Fayza Al-Kh arafi was appointed to be the first director of Kuwait University, and the list goes on with the names of prominent Kuwaiti women in various fields. Dr. Al-Hassan stressed the importance of empowering women in the political field by strengthening laws that support equality. Source: Qatar News Agency