Kuwait city: Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah stated that empowering women in peace and humanitarian action is not merely a goal, but also a sustainable national approach. Sheikha Jawaher made this statement during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution No. 1325, which involves females in peace and humanitarian action.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, international and humanitarian organizations, and diplomatic missions in Kuwait. Sheikha Jawaher noted that Kuwait's national path regarding empowering women stems from the Amiri directives, emphasizing that peace can only be preserved through the participation of all.
Sheikha Jawaher highlighted Kuwait's commitment to pursuing national plans and partnerships with the UN and regional organizations to enhance Kuwaiti women's presence in mediation and peace processes. She also mentioned some developments in Kuwait, such as amendments to Articles 153 and 182 of Kuwait's penal code, and raising the minimum legal marriage age to 18.
Further, she noted the inclusion of over 1,000 women in Kuwait's police force and the registration of the first batch of women as army officers, with 51 selected. Women constitute 74.5 percent of relief workers and 26 percent of charitable societies' chiefs in Kuwait.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary General's Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher praised Kuwait's international role in the humanitarian field, citing long-term partnerships like the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. She highlighted that women make up 40 percent of 500,000 humanitarian workers globally.
Additionally, Mamadou Sow, Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, commended Kuwait's role in supporting the international community to enhance women's roles in peace and humanitarian efforts. He mentioned Kuwait's adoption of two key decisions announced by Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait on a bill to combat international crimes and a law to protect missing persons, positioning Kuwait as a leading supporter of international acts. He also described the challenges women face during crises, such as delivering under bombing and crossing minefields for essential needs.