Minister of 'Social Affairs': Kuwait Eager to Support Joint Arab Social Work - Sarmad

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, affirmed on Tuesday the state’s commitment to supporting joint Arab social work, strengthening social protection, empowering women and persons with disabilities, and caring for the elderly.

This statement came during a speech delivered by Al-Huwail at the 84th ordinary session of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, held in Cairo, in which she called for addressing social challenges and combating multidimensional poverty through practical programs with clear objectives and tangible impact.

Al-Huwail stated that Kuwait continues to update its social legislation and services, pointing to legislative amendments in the fields of domestic violence protection and drug control, as well as new regulations on volunteer work and media regulation. She also noted the preparation and submission of draft laws concerning the rights of children and persons with disabilities.

She explained that the Family Protection Program, approved by the Cabinet last May, constitutes a comprehensive framework to support family stability, involving several state ministries and institutions, under the supervision of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to coordinate initiatives, monitor their results and challenges, and submit recommendations to the Cabinet.

Regarding women’s empowerment, Al-Huwail noted that Kuwait supports training, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and the “Boutique 33” project to support productive families. She also mentioned the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Committee to follow up on national efforts and international indicators, and to work on creating an integrated national platform for women.

She added that among these efforts is the launch of the Kuwait Award for Women’s Excellence “Makanah and Empowerment,” under the patronage of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a step reflecting the interest in enhancing women’s presence and role in development pathways.

Al-Huwail outlined the efforts of the Supreme National Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including providing opportunities for education and employment, assistive devices, reasonable accommodations, and family rehabilitation. She also highlighted the launch of the Kuwait Award for Creativity for Persons with Disabilities and the development of services for the elderly that preserve their dignity and support their independence.

She emphasized the importance of leveraging digital transformation to improve services and facilitate access to them, while protecting privacy and data confidentiality.

Al-Huwail stressed that the current situation in the region necessitates strengthening Arab solidarity, supporting affected countries and peoples, foremost among them the fraternal Palestinian people, and backing programs and projects that protect children, families, and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to basic care and services.

She prayed to God to protect countries and peoples, perpetuate the blessing of security and safety, lift calamities from affected nations, and spread peace and stability throughout the region.

Al-Huwail reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing cooperation with member states and the Arab League Secretariat General, and to exchanging expertise to support social protection, family cohesion, and social inclusion. She expressed her hope that the Executive Office’s work would contribute to preparing practical decisions for the 46th session of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, linked to clear implementation pathways and regular monitoring, achieving tangible impact in the lives of Arab citizens.