Empowering Women in Peace and Humanitarian Action: Kuwait Takes the Lead

Strategic Insights -

Kuwait continues to uphold its commitment to empowering women in peace and humanitarian action, solidifying its national approach as a sustainable path forward. During a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah emphasized the significance of women's participation in peace and humanitarian efforts, pointing out that Kuwait's national path in this regard is in line with the Amiri directives. The country's dedication to this cause is further exemplified through its national plans and partnerships with the UN and regional organizations to increase Kuwaiti women's presence in mediation and peace-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Empowering women in peace and humanitarian action is a crucial aspect of Kuwait's national approach, as stated by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah.
  • Kuwait has made significant strides in supporting women's rights, including raising the minimum legal marriage age to 18 and enacting laws that combat international crimes and protect those who go missing.
  • Kuwaiti women have taken on leading roles in various sectors, such as the police department (1,000 women) and the army (51 women have been selected as officers).
  • Kuwaiti women make up 74.5 percent of relief workers and 26 percent of charitable societies' chiefs, highlighting their contributions to humanitarian efforts.
  • The UN Secretary General's Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ghada Al-Taher, emphasized Kuwait's international role in the humanitarian field and its support for women-led initiatives.
  • Women are disproportionately affected during crises, with many delivering under bombardment, crossing minefields, and facing sniper fire.
  • Kuwait has a strong history of supporting women's empowerment through partnerships with organizations like the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

Statistics:

  • More than 1,000 Kuwaiti women are part of the police department.
  • 51 women have been selected as army officers in Kuwait's first batch of applicants.
  • Kuwaiti women make up 74.5 percent of relief workers.
  • Kuwaiti women make up 26 percent of charitable societies' chiefs.
  • Women make up 40 percent of 500,000 humanitarian workers across the globe.
  • Kuwait has supported the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

Sources:

  • (Kuwait News Agency) - 15 Oct 2025
  • Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs - "Empowering Women in Peace and Humanitarian Action"
  • Kuwait's UN Secretary General's Representative and Resident Coordinator - Ghada Al-Taher
  • International Committee of the Red Cross - Regional Delegation Head, Mamadou Sow
  • Kuwait's Ministry of Justice - Minister Nasser Al-Sumait