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Study: Enforcement gaps leave disabled women unsupported

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KUWAIT: A recent study has highlighted significant gaps in the implementation of laws designed to protect women with disabilities in Kuwait. While the country has established a strong legal framework aimed at ensuring equal rights for individuals with disabilities, the study found that inconsistent enforcement leaves many women without adequate support.

Conducted by Haila Al-Mekaimi, a political science professor at Kuwait University, in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Union of Women’s Associations and various civil society groups, the study gathered responses from women with disabilities and their advocates. It explored the effectiveness of national laws that safeguard their rights, with particular focus on their practical application.

Despite a robust legal framework—including provisions for equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion—the study revealed that many women still struggle to benefit from these protections.

Kuwait’s legal framework

Kuwait’s commitment to protecting people with disabilities is enshrined in the 1962 Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. Subsequent legislation has reinforced this commitment, with key laws such as: Law No 51 of 2006, which prohibits discrimination based on disability and Law No 8 of 2010, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and employment. In addition, Law No 29 of 2015 promotes the employment of disabled individuals and Law No 19 of 2016, ensures access to public facilities. The creation of the Public Authority for People with Disabilities in 2018 further bolstered the protection of their rights. However, despite these advancements, the enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent, especially when addressing the unique needs of women with disabilities.

2023 amendments

A significant issue raised in the study was the government’s rejection of proposed amendments to the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023. These amendments sought to improve financial support for caregivers, including non-Kuwaiti spouses and relatives, enhance housing rights for families with disabled members, and provide funding for prosthetic devices and nursing care.

The rejection of these amendments, particularly those concerning financial and employment benefits, has been a source of frustration. Surveyed women gave the government’s decision a rating of 2.8 out of 5, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on these crucial issues.

Al-Mekaimi noted: “While these legislative measures sought to improve support for individuals with disabilities, the government’s rejection of the 2024 bill is disappointing for disability activists. The financial constraints cited as reasons for rejection underscore the challenge of balancing budgetary limits with the need for comprehensive support systems.”

Gender gaps in satisfaction

The study also revealed a notable gender gap in satisfaction with the enforcement of disability laws. While men were generally more satisfied with the benefits they received, women expressed lower satisfaction in key areas such as financial support and employment rights. For instance, women rated their satisfaction with financial benefits at 4.0, compared to 4.5 for men. Similarly, women’s satisfaction with employment rights was lower, at 3.6, compared to 4.1 for men.

However, women reported slightly higher satisfaction with education rights (4.3) compared to men (4.8), although the gap suggests that more work is needed to ensure full equality in education for people with disabilities.

Key recommendations

The study’s findings have led to several recommendations aimed at improving the situation for women with disabilities in Kuwait. First, the enforcement of existing laws needs to be strengthened. Women with disabilities must have access to the services and protections guaranteed by law, and greater consistency in enforcement is necessary to ensure that these provisions reach all individuals in need.

Second, raising public awareness is crucial to improving the situation. Public campaigns should be launched to educate both citizens and government agencies on the rights of people with disabilities. These initiatives would help foster a more inclusive society and ensure that individuals with disabilities are better understood and supported.

Third, civil society organizations should play a more active role in advocating for the rights of women with disabilities. By engaging more proactively, these groups can bridge the gap between policy and practical outcomes, ensuring that laws translate into real-world improvements in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Finally, a gender-sensitive approach to legal reform is needed. The study highlights that women with disabilities face unique challenges that need to be addressed through targeted legal reforms. These reforms would ensure that women’s rights are fully realized, and that the legislation works to eliminate the specific barriers they face in areas such as financial support, employment, and housing.

Al-Mekaimi concluded: “Implementing these recommendations can help create a more inclusive society in Kuwait, addressing the disparities in the enforcement and understanding of disability legislation. This will strengthen the position of women with disabilities and enable their full participation in all aspects of society.”

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Zain showcases efforts in leveraging tech innovation to advance sustainability goals

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KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.

Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.

During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.

Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.

Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.

Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy

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Dust storms sweep across Kuwait; winds surpass 60 km/h

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KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. - KUNA

KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.

He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA

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Gulf Housing Week focuses on sustainable development

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KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) announced that Kuwait will host the third edition of the Gulf Housing Week from May 18 to 22, under the theme “Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing.” Deputy Director General for Public Relations and Development and official spokesperson of PAHW, Omar Al-Ruwaih, said in a press statement that the event comes as part of ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen regional cooperation in the housing sector.

The initiative aims to enhance integration, address key housing challenges, and promote the exchange of expertise to support sustainability and improve quality of life across the region. Al-Ruwaih noted that the event will feature a wide range of activities, including panel discussions, a specialized exhibition, and the second edition of the Gulf Housing Hackathon, which will see the participation of male and female students from across the GCC.

He emphasized that the week’s agenda is designed to foster collaboration, encourage best practices in housing and urban development, and highlight the latest technologies supporting sustainable housing solutions. The event will commence with the 47th meeting of the GCC Technical Committee on Housing Affairs. The following day will see the official opening ceremony and the inauguration of the accompanying exhibition. On May 20, the 26th meeting of senior housing officials will be held, culminating on May 22 with the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs.

Al-Ruwaih stressed that Gulf Housing Week seeks to encourage public-private partnerships, promote innovative and sustainable housing initiatives, and contribute to the development of integrated, safe residential environments for GCC citizens. A series of panel sessions will take place over three days, covering topics such as real estate development prospects in Kuwait, public-private partnerships in PAHW projects, and financing strategies for sustainable housing. Discussions will also address smart applications in Gulf housing projects, technological innovations, and solutions to housing challenges faced by the region. — KUNA

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