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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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Dusty winds and high temperatures expected

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KUWAIT: Director of the Meteorological Department Dharar Al-Ali announced that Kuwait will be affected by moderate to active northwesterly winds, with conditions expected to persist through Sunday before gradually subsiding on Monday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Ali explained that the latest weather maps and numerical models indicate the country is under the influence of an extension of the Indian monsoon depression, accompanied by a hot, dry air mass. The resulting winds may exceed 60 km/h, stirring up dust and significantly reducing horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters in some areas, particularly open and desert regions. The winds are also expected to lead to high sea waves at times.

Al-Ali added that the winds will remain moderate to active on Sunday, ranging between 15 and 55 km/h, continuing to cause dusty conditions and rough sea states with waves occasionally rising above six feet. He noted that conditions will begin to improve gradually from Monday, with wind speeds decreasing and temperatures starting to rise steadily toward the end of the week. “The weather from today until Sunday evening will be generally hot and dusty during the day and tend to be hot at night, with dust expected to gradually settle in the evening hours,” Al-Ali said.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 44°C and 46°C, while minimum temperatures are expected between 30°C and 33°C. Al-Ali urged motorists, especially those driving on highways, to exercise caution due to sudden drop in visibility caused by blowing dust. He also advised beachgoers to avoid the sea during periods of high waves. He called on the public to stay informed by following updates through the Meteorological Department’s official website, mobile application and social media platforms. — KUNA

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KFAED supports Mongolia airport expansion

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KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has contributed to the development and expansion of Undurkhaan Airport in Mongolia, marking a new milestone in the growing partnership between Kuwait and Mongolia. In a statement issued Friday, KFAED Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar said the project was financed through a grant previously extended by the Government of Kuwait to Mongolia under the Fund’s supervision, valued at KD 1.06 million (approximately $3.4 million).

Al-Bahar noted that the Fund also signed an additional grant agreement worth KD 80,000 (approximately $262,000) with the Mongolian government to finance the technical and economic feasibility study for the project. The objective, he said, is to transform the airport into a Category 4C international facility that would serve as a catalyst for economic growth and align with Mongolia’s Vision 2050 sustainable development strategy. “The airport expansion project is expected to become a critical transport hub, facilitating mobility, boosting trade, and unlocking new economic opportunities for the region,” Al-Bahar stated. “It will contribute significantly to long-term development and prosperity in Mongolia.”

The opening ceremony was attended by Mongolia’s Minister of Roads and Transport Delgier Saikhan, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Mongolia Mutlaq Al-Thuwaimer, and several senior Mongolian officials. To date, KFAED has provided Mongolia with soft loans totaling KD 23.7 million (approximately $77.6 million), in addition to technical assistance worth KD 519,000 (approximately $1.7 million), reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to supporting sustainable development across Asia. — KUNA

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CAN launches 2025 Summer Haido-CAN Olympics

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KUWAIT: The National Campaign for Combating Cancer (CAN) on Saturday announced the launch of the 2025 Summer Haido-CAN Olympics, in collaboration with the Public Authority for Sport, under the slogan “Sports is Prevention.” In a press statement, CAN Chairman Dr Khaled Al-Saleh said the month-and-a-half-long sporting event features a series of tournaments, competitions, and physical activities tailored for various age groups. The initiative aligns with CAN’s vision of promoting a culture of fitness and public health, with the participation of 16 teams and over 120 athletes.

Dr Al-Saleh highlighted the critical role of physical activity in disease prevention, noting that an improved lifestyle and regular exercise can significantly enhance immunity and reduce risk factors associated with approximately 30 percent of cancer cases. “Sports play a vital role in lowering the risk of numerous cancer types,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Director of the Haido-CAN Academy Abdullah Khaled expressed hope that the Olympics would serve as a leading platform to promote sports and wellness among youth and the wider community. “Sports are more than just competition—they are a way of life that supports both mental and physical health,” he said. Khaled noted that the event is organized through a strategic partnership between CAN and Haido-CAN Academy, in cooperation with the Public Authority for Sports. The initiative aims to reinforce the link between physical activity and the prevention of chronic illnesses, particularly cancer.

He added that the program will feature a wide range of competitions, including football, volleyball, Cine Gym challenges, bowling, athletics, tug of war, and an American penalty kick tournament. Additionally, a series of awareness workshops and community health initiatives will be held to further engage participants and raise public awareness. The Olympics officially kicked off with a padel championship, which witnessed spirited competition and high levels of sportsmanship among the participating teams.— KUNA

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