Italian Ambassador Morini with others during the launching of the ‘Red Bench’ initiative.
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, stressed the need for collective efforts to stop violence against women. During an event organized at the Italian Embassy in Kuwait, he explained that “on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and in line with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Italian Embassy has launched the ‘Red Bench’ initiative in Kuwait.
This initiative aims to raise awareness and commitment to combating all forms of violence against women.” The Italian envoy noted that the “Red Bench” initiative began in Italy ten years ago, with the idea of placing a red bench in public spaces like parks, buildings, ministries and other locations to symbolize the frustration women feel due to violence, with red symbolizing blood. He emphasized that “combating violence against women is a central issue that requires sincere and collaborative efforts to eliminate this negative phenomenon,” adding that they brought a red bench from France to Kuwait “to send a message to the world about the need to stop violence against women.”
Awareness
In response to a question about the level of awareness in Kuwait regarding the issue, he said, “Violence against women is not just a problem for Kuwait or Italy but is a cultural issue involving some misconceptions.” He added, “Awareness in Kuwait is growing, but we must unite to increase it worldwide.” Morini also highlighted the active role of the United Nations in raising awareness about the need to stop violence against women and protect women and children through various events and activities.
Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, explained that “laws protect women from violence,” noting that “the issue lies not in the laws but in their implementation and that everyone must understand that violence against women is neither acceptable nor a sign of masculinity.”
She pointed out that there are strict laws in place, but the real question is how to ensure these laws are respected, emphasizing the importance of women knowing their rights and reporting violence when it occurs to ensure legal enforcement. Regarding centers for abused women in Kuwait, Al-Taher said, “We have had meetings with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights, Sheikha Jawaher Al-Daiij, who stressed her rejection of violence against women and the need for their protection.”
She noted that these centers are receiving significant attention and are being developed. She also mentioned that there are several centers for the protection of abused women in Kuwait and that the UN is ready to provide support if requested. When asked about statistics on abused women in Kuwait or the region, Al-Taher referenced a UNFPA report stating that “two-thirds of women experience violence, particularly in conflict zones and areas with armed conflicts, which increases the number of abused women.” She also pointed out that “every 10 minutes, a woman is subjected to violence worldwide.”
Regarding women prisoners in occupied territories and the violence they endure, Al-Taher explained that the international definition varies, but UN Women and UNFPA statistics include all cases of abused women, whether related to honor killings, conflict zones, or sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Al-Taher also pointed out that sexual violence and harassment are the most common forms of abuse women face globally.
Discussions
She noted that the UN will organize various events and roundtable discussions on this topic, including screenings and the coloring of events with the color orange, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which ends on December 10. She thanked the Italian Ambassador for inviting her to participate in the important event, highlighting the global issue of violence against women. She referenced statistics from UN Women, which estimate that around 736 million women -- almost one in three women aged 15 or older -- have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. These women, she said, are at higher risk of long-term mental, physical, reproductive and sexual health consequences. She also noted the increased vulnerability of women and girls, particularly during times of conflict and crisis. According to the UNFPA, nearly two-thirds of women and girls in the most affected areas of the Arab region have experienced violence.
Al-Taher, reflecting on her experiences, expressed her empathy for women survivors of violence and reiterated her vision for a world where girls can thrive and reach their full potential free from the threat of violence. She called for raising awareness and promoting actions to address violence against women and support women’s rights, stating, “As we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the UN in Kuwait remains committed to empowering women and eliminating gender-based violence, in partnership with you.” Balsam Al-Ayyoub, a member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Club and founder of the “Be Strong” sports and development project for women, said, “As an athlete, I believe that women should be strong, self-reliant and able to stand on their own.”
She emphasized that violence against women should not be treated as just a problem but as a cultural issue that must change, starting with how we raise our children. She added, “Equality in life is important; we cannot empower girls to be strong while neglecting boys. Much of the violence in the world, including murder and domestic violence, occurs because women raise children incorrectly.”
Sundus Hamza, a human rights activist and member of the “Ithar” campaign and the campaign to abolish Article 153 related to honor crimes, emphasized the importance of supporting women’s issues and rights. She pointed out that “violence is a serious violation of women’s and girls’ human rights.” Hamza also highlighted the efforts of women’s rights organizations to ensure the proper implementation of laws related to honor crimes, aimed at protecting women and supporting their transition from victims to survivors. She expressed hope that, with new leadership, they could also abolish Article 153, which is based on Napoleonic law that permits honor killings, a law that contradicts both Sharia and international women’s rights laws.
By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff
