Chairperson of Women's Affairs Committee at the Kuwaiti Cabinet Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah has expressed deep admiration of the Kuwaiti woman role in serving the society.
In a statement on Thursday, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Againt Women, Sheikha Latifa confirmed that Kuwait has made strides on path of combating violence against the women.
Kuwait has taken serious steps to fight all forms of violence, with unlimited support by the political leadership and the government, she said, noting that women's vital development projects are part of the state five-year development strategy. Nevertheless, the women continue to aspire for greater role in the society, combating diverse forms of discrimination and issuing more laws that ensure their stability.
The Kuwaiti announcement for renouncing violence against women was made during the sixth session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), held in Kuwait in December, 2013. The declaration affirmed adoption of principles such as respect for women rights.
Violence and abuse are not restricted to women; they have been spreading to all segments of the society, thus affecting social development, incurring enormous financial losses for the state and hindering the women role as basic partners in building the society.
Kuwait Constitution stipulates, in its eighth article, "The State safeguards foundations of the society, security and safety and equal opportunities for all citizens.
"The ninth provision says the family constitutes foundation of the society, based upon religion, morals and patriotism, whereby the law safeguards the society, bolsters its bonds and protects motherhood and childhood." Against this background, Kuwait was among the first nations that joined international treaties intended to protect the women, namely the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against women, in 1994.
In 2002, the Cabinet-affiliated committee for follow up on women affairs was established, under chairmanship of Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad, with aim of bolstering the women rights, enabling them to take part in all plans and programs, envisaged in the Cabinet manifestos.