Report by Israa Ali
KUWAIT, May 16 (KUNA) -- Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti Women's Day each year on May 16 to honor the pivotal role women play in Kuwait's development, and it also marks the day Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights in 2005 by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Since then, Kuwaiti women have made remarkable strides across all sectors, from political and diplomacy to science and finance. They first participated in parliamentary elections in 2006, and in 2009, four women were elected to the National Assembly for the first time in Kuwait's history.
In the 2009 National Assembly elections, Kuwaiti women achieved a historic milestone in the country's democratic journey with four women winning seats in Parliament, they were Dr. Massouma Al-Mubarak, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Dr. Rola Dashti, and Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar, selected from among 17 female candidates who contested the elections.
Today, Kuwait's current cabinet includes three female ministers: Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan as Minister of Public Works, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah as Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Family and Childhood Affairs, and Noura Al-Fozan as Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment.
Women hold 28 percent of top governmental roles, a figure that has doubled in sectors such as the diplomatic sector, security, oil, and justice.
In the Central Bank of Kuwait, women occupy 41 percent of leadership roles, while in the banking sector overall, they represent 35 percent of the workforce.
Kuwaiti women continue to break barriers in medicine, engineering, space sciences, and technology, supported by strong political backing, also, six Kuwaiti women were listed among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East, and many have earned global recognition in cybersecurity, healthcare, and space.
Kuwait is also a pioneer in the field of empowerment of women and has implemented initiatives to support female entrepreneurs and productive families, Kuwait has also ratified key international agreements focused on eliminating discrimination and combating trafficking.
This continued progress reflects Kuwait's commitment to gender equality as part of its Vision 2035, affirming the essential role of women in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. (end) aja.dss