Minister of Social Affairs: Social Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, affirmed yesterday that the “Purple Day” initiative embodies an effective model of partnership between government entities and the private sector, contributing to the empowerment of persons with disabilities and enhancing their social integration. Speaking on the occasion of the initiative’s conclusion after three days, Minister Al-Huwail stated that providing services, benefits, and accommodations to persons with disabilities strengthens their independence, supports equal opportunities, and facilitates their access to services.

She added that this aligns with Kuwait’s commitment to implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and consolidating the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination. The initiative, launched by the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with Al-Shaie Company, reflects the importance of integrated efforts in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities and developing community initiatives that contribute to improving their quality of life.

The minister noted that the initiative comes in solidarity with the “Purple Saturday” campaign, supported by the Executive Office of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, to highlight GCC efforts in empowering persons with disabilities and encouraging institutions to provide more comprehensive services.

She emphasized that empowering this group is a national and societal responsibility that is not limited to a specific occasion, calling on private sector institutions and service providers to continue developing accommodations that address the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure their full participation.

Minister Al-Huwail confirmed the ongoing support of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities for policies that promote equality and consolidate the principles of social inclusion, thereby contributing to the building of a more inclusive society and reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

It is worth noting that the “Purple Saturday” initiative was launched in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021 and is held annually on the last Saturday of July, with participation from GCC member states, aiming to encourage both the public and private sectors to provide high-quality and accessible services to persons with disabilities.