Kuwait City: The year 2024 concluded with the State of Kuwait reinforcing its commitment to women empowerment, following directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This initiative aims to enhance women’s rights and acknowledge their vital contributions to the nation’s growth.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait has been a leader in recognizing the indispensable role of women in development. This progressive approach is evident in the country’s improved ranking from 123rd to 61st position, out of 177 countries, in the Georgetown Institute for Women Peace and Security’s assessment of women empowerment. Kuwait also made significant strides in closing the gender gap by 10 points.
Kuwait has integrated women into government decision-making processes, aligning with Article 29 of the Constitution, the New Kuwait 2035 Vision, and the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal on gender equality. Article 29 emphasizes equality before the law, without discrimination based on race, origin, language, or religion, guaranteeing women’s rights and expanding their roles across various sectors.
Women constitute over 58 percent of the workforce in Kuwait, with significant representation in both the private and public sectors. Notably, 28 percent of executive positions, including ministers and high-level officials, are held by women. In the Ministry of Defense, women occupy 47 percent of senior roles, and there are pioneering numbers of women in the military engineering sector and Amiri Guards.
In addition to government efforts, private sector initiatives have been launched to support women’s economic empowerment. Kuwait was the first Gulf nation to adopt a private sector women empowerment initiative, aligning with a 2010 agreement with UN Women. The “Waraqati” project further promotes women’s rights and legal empowerment.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor sponsors projects that assist families in establishing businesses, providing financial independence and reducing reliance on social allowances. These efforts are complemented by international agreements ratified by Kuwait to combat discrimination and trafficking.
Kuwait is actively collaborating with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to enhance women’s developmental roles. The establishment of the national committee for women, peace, and security, as well as the Kuwait Woman Award, underscores the country’s dedication to gender equality.
The government includes three female ministers, and several laws support women’s rights, including protection from family violence and cyber crimes. Investments in sports infrastructure have also increased women’s participation in sports.
Notable achievements by Kuwaiti women in 2024 include Dr. Reem Al-Shemmeri receiving the Arab cybersecurity woman award, Dr. Asmaa Al-Kanderi’s selection by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Engineer Lama Al-Uraiman’s recognition in space science. Kuwaiti athletes Suad Al-Faqaan and Amina Shah made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kuwait’s commitment to women empowerment continues to drive social and economic progress, recognizing women as essential contributors to the nation’s development.