A report prepared by the National Center for Development Research of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning has highlighted the urgent need for implementing a quota system to allocate fixed seats in the National Assembly for women. The report also calls for amending the one-vote electoral system, which is seen as a barrier to women’s opportunities to win parliamentary seats.
These recommendations come in response to current parliamentary and popular demands for a change in the electoral system in Kuwait. A government report also emphasizes the necessity of amending the system to promote women’s participation in political life and decision-making.
The report emphasizes the critical link between achieving sustainable development goals and empowering women in society. It considers the active presence of women in political life as an indicator of progress and development within society. Furthermore, the report highlights that gender equality and women’s participation in politics enhance economic stability and contribute to strengthening institutions.
In terms of implementation, the report suggests allocating a fixed number of seats for women in the National Assembly, which is considered a form of positive discrimination. This approach would guarantee a fair representation for women in Parliament and ensure their continued participation in political life.
The report also recommends amending the current one-vote electoral system, which restricts women’s opportunities to secure seats in Parliament. It encourages political parties and blocs to nominate an equal number of women and men on their electoral lists, promoting gender balance in political representation.
Addressing the need for comprehensive empowerment, the report calls for organizing training workshops to equip women with the necessary skills and qualifications to reach decision-making positions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about negative social customs, traditions, and practices that perpetuate stereotypical views of women and hinder their progress and equality.
The report emphasizes the importance of providing an objective information base on active women leaders to serve research studies. It also calls for the adoption of sustainable and integrated development strategies that include training programs and workshops aimed at political rehabilitation. Building a knowledge base and increasing awareness among women are seen as crucial steps towards achieving gender equality.
When it comes to the current state of gender equality in Kuwait, the report reveals a decline in the gender gap index, particularly in terms of the percentage of women in Parliament. Kuwait was ranked 110th in 2006 but has now fallen to 135th out of 146 countries in 2023. Despite being one of the first Gulf countries to grant women political rights in 2005, Kuwait still lags behind in terms of women’s political representation.
The report concludes that the exclusion of women from Parliament is in stark contrast to their significant presence in the electoral process, with the majority of voters being women. This indicates a crisis of confidence among women towards their female counterparts. Traditional societal perceptions still limit women’s roles, with many viewing parliamentary work as “men’s work” and considering women more suited to administrative ministerial positions.
One of the main obstacles identified by the report is the one-vote system adopted in Kuwait’s electoral system. Under this system, voters have the right to vote for only one candidate in their registered district, with ten candidates nominated in each of the five districts.
In conclusion, the report highlights the urgent need for gender equality in Kuwait’s political system. Implementing a quota system and amending the one-vote electoral system are crucial steps towards ensuring women’s active participation in political life and decision-making. By promoting gender equality, Kuwait can achieve sustainable development, enhance economic stability, and strengthen its institutions.
Source: TimesKuwait
