Kuwait city: Kuwait joined countries worldwide in celebrating World Girl Scouts Day, focusing on raising awareness of issues affecting girls and highlighting the efforts of Girl Guides to empower girls across 146 countries. This year's theme, "Our Friendship," marks 100 years since the Day's inception in 1926 during the Fourth International Conference of Girl Guides, attended by founder Robert Baden-Powell and World Chief Guide Olave Baden-Powell.
According to Kuwait News Agency, February 22, which coincides with the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, serves as an occasion to reflect on issues impacting girls, promote peace, and support the global Guiding movement. Chairwoman of the Kuwait Girl Guides Association, Hind Al-Houli, stated that the association participates annually in the event as a member of the Olave Baden-Powell Society, supporting voluntary charitable initiatives worldwide. Girl Guides mark the day through environmental awareness campaigns, workshops addressing girls' concerns, and programs celebrating friendship, development, and education.
Al-Houli noted that the Guiding movement in Kuwait began in 1957 within the former Department of Education, with the Kuwait Girl Guides Association officially established on May 25, 1965. Since then, the movement has grown steadily, joining the Arab Region, the World Association, and the GCC Guides Committee. The Ministry of Education sponsors the movement, registering units and leaders annually at the start of each academic year to document membership numbers.
The association aims to prepare girls as responsible citizens, reinforce Islamic values, preserve Kuwaiti traditions, and instill loyalty to the homeland. It also promotes human rights, peace based on justice and equality, community service, and representation of Kuwait at international conferences and camps. With nearly 15,000 members, the association gained full membership in the World Association in 1969 and has received global awards, including the Olave Baden-Powell Award for charitable work.
Al-Houli mentioned that the association organizes an annual peace camp, engages with governmental bodies, conducts charitable campaigns, and celebrates national occasions. Curricula for all age groups are being developed to meet modern needs and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Fatma Jarragh, winner of the 2026 Advocacy Champion title of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, expressed pride in the achievement and will participate in the 38th World Conference as Kuwait's youth representative. Meanwhile, Lulwa Jawhar secured membership in the Arab Regional Committee for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in August 2025, representing young women from Kuwait and the Gulf after 23 years of volunteer service.