1.
Social Status: Women in the early 1900s had limited public roles and were primarily
focused on family and home. Their status was largely defined by their relationships to male
family members.
2. Education: Educational opportunities for women were scarce. Most girls received informal
education at home, if at all.
3. Employment: Women typically engaged in traditional roles, such as weaving or assisting in
family businesses, but there were few opportunities for formal employment.
4. Legal Rights: Women's legal rights were minimal. They had limited autonomy regarding
marriage, divorce, and inheritance, often subject to tribal and family laws.
5. Cultural Norms: Societal expectations emphasized modesty and family loyalty, with strong
influences from tribal customs.
2000s
1. Social Status: By the 2000s, women in Kuwait had gained more visibility and participation
in public life. They began to challenge traditional roles and advocate for their rights.
2. Education: Educational attainment for women improved significantly. Many women
pursued higher education and entered various professional fields, including medicine, law,
and business.
3. Employment: More women entered the workforce, supported by government initiatives and
changing societal attitudes. Many took on leadership roles and became entrepreneurs.
4. Legal Rights: Although still facing challenges, women gained more legal rights, including
the right to vote and run for office in 2005. Changes in family law improved their rights
concerning marriage and divorce.
5. Cultural Norms: The cultural landscape evolved, with greater acceptance of women's
participation in public life. Advocacy groups and social movements emerged, promoting
gender equality.
Conclusion
Overall, the shift from the 1900s to the 2000s in Kuwait reflects a transition from a predominantly
traditional and restrictive environment for women to a more dynamic and evolving landscape that
increasingly recognizes women's rights and contributions to society. However, challenges remain,
and the fight for equality continues.
Kuwait is one of the safest country in middle east it ranked at 18th position
first bill which would have given women the right to vote in Kuwait was put to
the parliament in 1963.[1] It was ultimately overturned due to pressure from the
Al Sabah ruling family. Bills continued to be denied through 1985 and 1986.
Kuwait then became heavily involved in the Iraq-Iran war, and women began
demanding recognition for their efforts in keeping their families and society
functional. The parliament agreed and the first woman was finally appointed as
the ambassador of the Persian Gulf in 1993. In 1996, 500 women stopped
working for an hour to show solidarity in their right for suffrage,
In the 2003 election, women created mock ballots that “allowed hundreds of
women to cast symbolic votes for real candidates.” [2] In March 2005, 1,000
people surrounded the Kuwaiti parliament and on May 17, a bill was passed 37
votes for and 21 votes against, granting Kuwaiti women the right to vote and
run for an elected office.[3] Four years later, in May 2009, four female
candidates won parliamentary seats in a general election out of fifty available
seats.[4][5] Although this was 8% of parliament, by the 2013 election, no
women had been elected to the current parliament, and the last woman
elected resigned in May 2014.[6] Safa Al Hashem became the first and only
woman elected to two consecutive terms of the Kuwaiti parliament in 2012 and
2016, but lost her seat in the 2020 elections.[7][8]
History
[edit]
After Kuwait gained independence in 1961, the Kuwaiti parliament passed new
laws that limited voting to those who were male, over the age of 21, and had
family living in Kuwait since before 1920. Women from the first graduating
class at various universities across Kuwait banded together to create
the Women’s Cultural and Social Society in 1963. Their goals were to raise
awareness of women’s issues, but more importantly, to boost Kuwaiti women
up and give them the opportunities to succeed. Kuwaiti women did have many
more freedoms in comparison to their close neighboring countries, such as
access to a higher education.[3]
In the 2003 election, women created mock ballots that “allowed hundreds of
women to cast symbolic votes for real candidates.” [2] In March 2005, 1,000
people surrounded the Kuwaiti parliament and on May 17, a bill was passed 37
votes for and 21 votes against, granting Kuwaiti women the right to vote and
run for an elected office.[3] Four years later, in May 2009, four female
candidates won parliamentary seats in a general election out of fifty available
seats.[4][5] Although this was 8% of parliament, by the 2013 election, no
women had been elected to the current parliament, and the last woman
elected resigned in May 2014.[6] Safa Al Hashem became the first and only
woman elected to two consecutive terms of the Kuwaiti parliament in 2012 and
2016, but lost her seat in the 2020 elections.[7][8]
History
[edit]
After Kuwait gained independence in 1961, the Kuwaiti parliament passed new
laws that limited voting to those who were male, over the age of 21, and had
family living in Kuwait since before 1920. Women from the first graduating
class at various universities across Kuwait banded together to create
the Women’s Cultural and Social Society in 1963. Their goals were to raise
awareness of women’s issues, but more importantly, to boost Kuwaiti women
up and give them the opportunities to succeed. Kuwaiti women did have many
more freedoms in comparison to their close neighboring countries, such as
access to a higher education.[3]
Kuwait has made significant strides in improving the status and rights of women over the years. Here are
some key developments:
1. Education
• Access to Education: Kuwait has invested in educational initiatives, leading to high literacy
rates among women. Women now make up a substantial portion of university graduates.
• Scholarship Programs: The government offers scholarships and support for women
pursuing higher education both domestically and abroad.
2. Political Rights
• Voting and Candidacy: In 2005, women gained the right to vote and run for office. This
was a landmark change, allowing women to participate actively in the political process.
• Representation: Women have since held positions in the National Assembly and other
political offices, contributing to legislative discussions.
3. Legal Rights
• Reforms in Family Law: There have been changes in family law that enhance women's
rights regarding marriage, divorce, and child custody, although challenges remain.
• Labor Laws: The government has enacted laws aimed at improving working conditions for
women and promoting gender equality in the workplace.
4. Economic Empowerment
• Workforce Participation: Initiatives have been launched to encourage women's
participation in the labor market, including entrepreneurship programs and support for
women-owned businesses.
• Training and Development: Various programs provide training and professional
development to help women succeed in various fields.
5. Social and Cultural Support
• Advocacy Groups: Numerous organizations advocate for women's rights and work to raise
awareness about gender equality issues in society.
• Media Representation: Increased representation of women in media and public life has
contributed to changing perceptions and norms regarding gender roles.
6. Health and Social Services
• Healthcare Access: Women in Kuwait have access to comprehensive healthcare services,
including maternal and reproductive health care.
• Social Support Programs: Various programs exist to support women, particularly those in
vulnerable situations, including victims of domestic violence.
Conclusion
While Kuwait has made notable progress in enhancing the rights and status of women, challenges
persist, and ongoing efforts are needed to achieve full gender equality. The government, civil
society, and community organizations continue to play essential roles in this journey.
a representative of Kuwait, I am honored to address you on a matter of
profound significance: the imperative of incorporating a gender perspective
into our budgeting and policy decisions. This is not merely a procedural
enhancement; it is a transformative approach that can reshape our societal
landscape and foster genuine gender equity.
A Vision for Inclusivity
A gender perspective invites us to envision a society where the diverse needs and contributions of
all genders are acknowledged and valued. By integrating this lens into our decision-making
processes, we ensure that policies and budgets reflect the realities faced by every individual. This
inclusivity is essential for creating a just and harmonious society.
Economic Advancement
The integration of a gender lens is critical for economic advancement. Women are indispensable to
our workforce and economic vitality. By analyzing budgets through a gender-sensitive framework,
we can identify disparities and invest strategically in initiatives that empower women—be it
through access to education, training programs, or support for women entrepreneurs. This not only
elevates individual lives but also propels our national economy forward.
Effective Policy Formulation
Policies devoid of a gender perspective often miss the mark, failing to address the unique challenges
faced by women and marginalized groups. By embedding gender analysis into our policy
formulation, we can craft solutions that are not only effective but equitable. For example, targeted
interventions in health care can be designed to address specific needs, leading to improved
outcomes for families and communities as a whole.
Commitment to Social Justice
Incorporating a gender perspective is fundamentally a commitment to social justice. It confronts
entrenched biases and seeks to dismantle barriers that hinder progress. When our budgets reflect the
experiences and voices of all genders, we pave the way for policies that champion dignity, respect,
and fairness for everyone.
Building a Resilient Future
A society that prioritizes gender equity is inherently resilient. By embedding gender-sensitive
approaches in our budgeting processes, we equip ourselves to navigate challenges—whether they be
economic fluctuations or social crises. Inclusive decision-making fosters innovation and
adaptability, ensuring that we are prepared for an ever-evolving future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of a gender perspective in budgeting and policy decisions is not
simply a noble aspiration; it is a strategic necessity for our progress. As we strive to cultivate a more
equitable Kuwait, let us commit to analyzing our policies and budgets through this critical lens.
Together, we can forge a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, enriching our
society as a whole.
Thank you for your attention and your unwavering commitment to this vital cause.
