Kuwait Marks International Women's Day
08 March 2024
A word by the United Nations Resident Coordinator Ghada Eltaher
As we commemorate International Women's Day, I am honored to highlight the profound contributions of women in Kuwait and around the world. Today, we celebrate not only their achievements but also acknowledge the formidable challenges many women face daily.
In the State of Kuwait, women have played a vital role in the country's progress, contributing significantly to various sectors. However, we recognize that gender disparities persist, and concerted efforts are required to ensure equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life. The United Nations remains committed to supporting initiatives that promotes women empowerment in leadership, socially, economically, and eliminate barriers that hinder their full potential.
This year's theme, 'Break the Bias,' resonates strongly as we address deeply ingrained stereotypes and prejudices. It is imperative to implement relevant laws and legislations and fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusivity, to pave the way for a more just and equitable society.
Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic investment in the sustainable development of our communities. As stated in Kuwait vision 2035 pillar 6 on human capital. I command the leadership and our partners in the state of Kuwait, on the efforts done so far, and I call on governments counterparts, civil society, and the private sector to join hands in advancing woman empowerment commitments.
As we mark Women's Day, it is crucial to extend our heartfelt solidarity to the resilient women of Palestine, who face unique challenges amid complex geopolitical circumstances. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Ghada Eltaher, emphasizes our commitment to supporting Palestinian women in their pursuit of rights, dignity, and empowerment. Recognizing the extraordinary strength displayed by Palestinian women, we stand united in advocating for their inclusion, security, and the realization of their aspirations for a just and prosperous future. The UN reiterates its dedication to working with the international community to address the specific needs of Palestinian women, and women in conflicts around the world Im fostering a world where every woman, regardless of her background, can thrive and contribute to positive societal transformations.
I also to take this opportunity to reiterate on UNDSG recent visit, to express my deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit demonstrated at the recent business dinner held hosted by HE Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Kuwait, in honor of HE Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammad, in presence of distinguished women in leadership and economy from various fields.
The event served as a platform for constructive dialogue, networking, and knowledge exchange, aligning with the UN's commitment to fostering partnerships for global progress on women empowerment and SDG5. The discussion showcased diverse perspectives on gender equality, sustainable development, the regional geopolitical situation and its impact on the region and beyond. The main outcomes of the interaction focused on fostering a foundation for future collaborations, where potential areas for collaboration and future partnerships were identified, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing common goals in diplomacy, leadership, peace and security, economy and communication.
Ms. Eltaher commends the commitment of all these inspiring women towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Kuwait and beyond. The event exemplified the power of collaboration, recognizing the critical role of women in leadership in shaping a positive impact at both local and global levels.
The DSG/UN looks forward to continued engagement and advisory role respectively with these esteemed women in advancing the UN's mission and contributing to the achievement of the Kuwait Vision 2035 and Sustainable Development, the six transitions, particularly in relation to SDG5 and SDG16.
On 9 March 2008, Asmae joined the United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Office in the State of Kuwait as Executive and Knowledge Associate. With over 15 years of relatively significant experience, a track record of strong relationship and partnership building with National and International stakeholders and host government, authorities and institutions, Civil Society Organizations, mass Media and the Diplomatic community in Kuwait. Served as a Coordination, Partnership and Communication Officer, contributing to continuous process improvement in the face of rapidly evolving and changing environments. Asmae is also supporting conference management and high-level missions’ coordination, maintenance of UN protocol procedures and high-level representation. Have supported and contributed to the success of large international conferences, signature events/activities such as the UN General Assembly summit, Agenda 2030 SDGs good summit, UN Day celebrations, Syria pledging conferences 2 and 3, Iraq Reconstruction Conference and the Yemeni Talks, the Arab League Summit, the Arab-African Summit, Special Human Rights Procedures/Rapporteurs and the UN Security Council and UNTalks forums.
Asmae’ s background lies in leading and supporting operations, teams, and processes to propel advocacy initiatives while realizing enhanced corporate success and productivity. She has supported the UNRCO in the
identification and implementation of visionary strategic objectives set by the United Nations Country Team to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in accordance with the County’s vision and aspirations. With a developed political acumen and negotiation skills and familiarity with the local and regional context, Asmae can effectively advocate and communicate with partners the strategic objectives of the UN Country Team and provide sound assistance in the promotion of United Nations global communications and advocacy priorities through new advocacy tools building and media relations, providing substantive support for digital communications and publications and branding management.
Asmae holds a Master’s degree in Social Science, in International Management from the University of Liverpool 2015.