KUWAIT CITY, Dec 8: Ghada Al-Taher, the UN Secretary-General's Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, affirmed on Sunday that Kuwait is increasingly highlighting the crucial role women play in building resilient economies that support national development for future generations. She made this statement during a panel discussion organized by the UN mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy in Kuwait. The discussion was titled Addressing Violence against Women - Sharing Best Experiences, held as part of the annual global campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Al-Taher emphasized that the campaign's objective is to promote the creation of a future free from violence, as well as to provide opportunities for women and empower them in the workplace and economic sectors. This is achieved through reforming discriminatory laws and challenging restrictive social norms, thereby increasing women's representation in the public sphere. She noted that, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), approximately 736 million women—one in three women aged 15 and above—have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. This violence has significant repercussions on women's mental, physical, and reproductive health. Al-Taher emphasized that the campaign carries a vital message urging the cessation of gender-based violence.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, also addressed the gathering, highlighting Kuwait's active participation in the campaign. Sheikha Jawaher underscored Kuwait's Islamic values, which emphasize respect for women and the preservation of their dignity. She expressed concern over the growing phenomenon of violence against women, particularly in conflict, war, and humanitarian crisis zones, where statistics show that 70 percent of women in these areas are victims of gender-based violence. She called for international cooperation to confront this issue and build a just society that empowers women.

Sheikha Jawaher pointed out Kuwait's continuous efforts to support and empower women by establishing an integrated legislative system, along with government and societal initiatives. This includes the introduction of Law No. 16 of 2020 on Protection from Domestic Violence, which establishes the legal framework for protecting family and women's rights. Additionally, Kuwait has set up shelters for victims of domestic violence, offering psychological, social, and legal support. Hotlines have also been launched to report incidents confidentially, provide immediate support, and ensure women's protection.

She also emphasized Kuwait's commitment to working with civil society organizations to raise awareness about combating violence against women and ensuring their protection. This effort is part of Kuwait's broader mission to enhance women's status and protect them from all forms of violence, reflecting the country's leadership in human rights advocacy within the Middle East.

Sheikha Jawaher expressed pride in Kuwait's ranking as the safest country in the world according to the 2023 World Law and Order Report and the 2024 Gallup World Index, noting that 99 percent of the Kuwaiti population feels safe.

The French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gauvin, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of combating all forms of violence against women—whether physical, psychological, economic, or digital—as violations of fundamental human rights. He called for collective action, with the involvement of governments, international organizations, civil society institutions, and individuals, to end violence against women and create more just and secure societies. Gauvin affirmed that France is working in partnership with Kuwait and civil society to ensure women's protection and rights.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative aimed at combating violence against women and girls. Established during the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991, the campaign is observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).