Minister of Social Affairs: Launch of the 'Rafqat Omar' program to enhance the quality of life for the elderly
Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, said on Monday that the ministry is keen on consolidating the principles of social justice and safeguarding human dignity at all life stages by developing an integrated system of services and programs, in line with Kuwait’s Vision.
This statement was made during Al-Huwail’s speech at the opening of the “Rifqat Omar” program, aimed at enhancing the quality of life and psychological and social well-being of the elderly. The program is organized by the Awareness and Counseling Center under the General Administration of Social Care.
Al-Huwail added that the program offers a range of activities and services to strengthen social interaction, stimulate mental capabilities, and support mental health, in addition to opening new horizons for the elderly to participate in community life. She explained that the program is implemented in partnership with Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association, in a model that reflects the importance of integration between state institutions and civil society organizations, noting that such partnerships represent a fundamental pillar in the success and sustainability of humanitarian initiatives.
She emphasized that adopting such programs can contribute to social cohesion by providing an environment that ensures care and respect for the elderly, enabling them to continue their community role based on experience and contribution. Al-Huwail expressed her gratitude to the General Administration of Social Care for its continuous efforts in developing specialized initiatives and programs that elevate social care services, and also commended the efforts of the Awareness and Counseling Center in preparing and implementing the program. She further appreciated the support of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association, its effective community partnership, and the efforts of the working teams and all those who contributed to the success of this humanitarian initiative.
For his part, Director General of the General Administration of Social Care, Dr. Jassem Al-Kandari, said in a similar speech that the “Rifqat Omar” program embodies, through its activities and programs, a message of gratitude and appreciation to the elderly for their contributions to community life. He clarified that the program, held under the slogan “From a generation that gave to a generation that continues to give,” sends a message emphasizing their partnership in building society based on their experience and experiences that have shaped the present and contribute to building the future.
He noted that the Awareness and Counseling Center is responsible for preparing and implementing the program, drawing on its specialized expertise in psychological, social, and awareness aspects to offer a program that addresses the needs of the elderly, enhances their mental health and social relationships, and encourages their participation in society. He added that the program reflects the commitment of the social care sector to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing health and well-being, improving quality of life, and consolidating community partnerships.
Al-Nouri: Embodying values of compassion and respect for the elderly
Jamal Al-Nouri, President of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association, confirmed that the launch of the “Rifqat Omar” program represents an embodiment of the authentic Kuwaiti societal values of compassion and respect for the elderly, and a practical translation of the commitment to enhancing their quality of life and psychological, social, and health well-being.
Al-Nouri said the program carries a humanitarian message based on support and inclusion, explaining that the association believes in the importance of empowering and caring for the elderly, enabling them to live a more secure and participatory life. He praised the efforts of Minister Al-Huwail, ministry leaders, and staff working in the social care sector and the Awareness and Counseling Center, emphasizing that the partnership between the association and the ministry represents a model of fruitful cooperation and integrated efforts to serve the elderly through effective community initiatives.
Al-Huwail: To improve Kuwait’s ranking in the “Women and Business” index
Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Children’s Affairs and Chairperson of the Women’s Affairs Committee, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, stressed on Monday the importance of integrating government efforts and accelerating implementation to improve Kuwait’s ranking in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” index.
This was stated in a remark by Minister Al-Huwail at the opening of a workshop on the index, attended by members of the Women’s Affairs Committee and representatives of relevant government authorities, as part of national efforts aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s international standing.
She said the committee works in coordination with relevant authorities to study the requirements of the index and determine work priorities, enabling the completion of possible amendments and procedures in the coming period and contributing to raising the country’s ranking before the evaluation scheduled for October next year.
She added that the importance of this index extends beyond the World Bank’s ranking, as it is linked to several international commitments and indicators, including the Beijing Platform for Action, the Gender Gap Index, and the Sustainable Development Goals, making improvements in its results a reflection of the progress Kuwait is achieving in the field of women’s empowerment.
She explained that a survey of required amendments for each authority according to its jurisdiction has been prepared, noting that priority in the current phase will be given to completing what can be approved quickly, particularly decisions, regulations, and administrative procedures, in parallel with completing legislative amendments that require longer timeframes.
Minister Al-Huwail stressed the necessity of working with a team spirit to enhance Kuwait’s presence in relevant international indicators and reports, emphasizing that achieving this goal requires cooperation among all authorities and the swift implementation of required measures within each authority’s jurisdiction before the next evaluation deadline.
