Kuwait: Women's Empowerment in Decision-Making a 'National Priority' - Sarmad
(KUNA) — Kuwait reaffirmed on Tuesday that empowering women and enhancing their participation in decision-making constitute a national priority and a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, noting its continued expansion of women’s involvement in decision-making positions and in diplomatic, judicial, military, security, and scientific sectors.
This was stated in Kuwait’s address delivered by Second Secretary of its Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Wafaa Al-Mulla, before the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, which deals with social, humanitarian, and cultural affairs, during the discussion of the agenda item “Advancement of Women.”
Al-Mulla reported that 2026 witnessed several important developments in this field, including an increase in the number of female judges and public prosecutors to 122 women, the appointment of the first female Deputy Minister of Justice in the history of Kuwait, and the graduation of the first cohort of female officers from the General Fireforce.
She emphasized that these developments reflect Kuwait’s special commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda and its ongoing efforts to broaden the participation of Kuwaiti women in the country’s institutions.
Al-Mulla noted that the National Committee for the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 continues its efforts to raise awareness and build the capacities of relevant national entities, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as security and judicial bodies.
She added that Kuwait, in cooperation with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), is working on preparing the national plan for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325, reflecting a transition from the awareness and capacity-building phase to strengthening implementation, monitoring, and evaluation tools.
Regarding the protection of women from violence, Al-Mulla clarified that Law-Decree No. 11 of 2026 on Protection from Domestic Violence was issued this year, alongside the adoption of the regulatory bylaws for the Shelter Center for Women Victims of Violence and the launch of the government’s Family Protection Program for the period 2026–2029.
She pointed out that these steps strengthen the system of prevention, protection, support, and rehabilitation, stressing that women’s empowerment cannot be achieved without providing adequate protection for women and girls from all forms of violence.
She affirmed that the advancement of women “is not complete merely by expanding their participation opportunities, but by consolidating their presence as essential partners in decision-making, policy formulation, peacebuilding, and development.”
She noted that the country will continue to translate progress into sustainable institutional measures that open broader horizons for women’s leadership and participation, while safeguarding their rights and dignity, stating that “women’s empowerment is not an end separate from the development process, but a condition for its success, and women’s full participation is not an option but a necessity for building a safer, more just, and prosperous future for all.”
