http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=5/24/2005&Cat=14&Num=002
Women's rights in Kuwait By Hassan Hanizadeh The approval of women's right to vote by the Kuwaiti government and parliament is one of the most significant events in Kuwait's political history after its occupation by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Kuwait is regarded as one of the most important members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and enjoys a relatively open political atmosphere in comparison with other Arab countries in the region. Kuwait has had a parliament for four decades, during which time many other Arab governments seized power through military coups. The Kuwaiti Parliament, which has faced a great number of challenges during its history, has played a critical role in moderating both the domestic and foreign policies of the Kuwaiti government over the years. Elected through elections free of manipulation by regional and extra-regional powers, the Kuwaiti legislature sometimes even disagreed with some measures taken by various Kuwaiti governments that were not in accordance with the country's civil law. The relatively long experience of democracy in Kuwait compared to other countries on the Arabian Peninsula and the activity of its parliament have not divided the nation but have, in fact, helped unify the small but prosperous Arab country. This unity was particularly manifested in 1990, when the despicable regime of Saddam Hussein occupied peaceful Kuwait. At that time, all Kuwaitis, both Shias and Sunnis, backed their leaders' efforts to liberate the country. Their solidarity finally bore fruit in February 1991 when Kuwait was liberated from Saddam's occupation. However, despite the beginning of a democratic tradition in the country, the disenfranchisement of Kuwaiti women severely hindered public participation in the electoral process. Although Kuwaiti women possess the political acumen necessary to play a role in the political life of their country, conventional Arab traditions and lifestyles have prevented them from participating in parliamentary elections. Kuwait's adherence to Arab patriarchal traditions, despite the fact that modernity requires change, has marginalized Kuwaiti women and left them out of the political decision-making process. Although Kuwaiti women are relatively equal to men in social and cultural activities, the fact that they have been prevented from participating in elections has actually deformed democracy in the country. Nevertheless, the recent measure taken by the Kuwaiti government and parliament granting women the right to vote removes a serious obstacle from the path of the Kuwaiti nation and is a harbinger of a new movement in the Arab world, particularly in the Persian Gulf littoral states. This unprecedented measure will definitely present a new model to other regional states, which are still running their countries with some traditional methods in the 21st century. Women's suffrage will certainly strengthen unity among Kuwaitis, and future generations will witness its real fruits because Arab women will no longer accept the role of marginalized elements of society. For the same reason, PGCC states, whose parliamentary systems are still imperfect, should follow the Kuwaiti model, review their parliamentary and political structures, and grant women the right to participate in social activities before any violent social crises occur in their countries. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater? Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good! http://us.click.yahoo.com/MCfFmA/SOnJAA/E2hLAA/BRUplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************************************************** Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. www.ppi-india.org *************************************************************************** __________________________________________________________________________ Mohon Perhatian: 1. Harap tdk. memposting/reply yg menyinggung SARA (kecuali sbg otokritik) 2. Pesan yg akan direply harap dihapus, kecuali yg akan dikomentari. 3. Lihat arsip sebelumnya, www.ppi-india.da.ru; 4. Satu email perhari: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5. No-email/web only: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6. kembali menerima email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ppiindia/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
