KUWAIT: The International Organization for Women’s Empowerment and Capacity Building (Tamkeen), in cooperation with the National Society Against Societal Violence, held a panel discussion on Sunday at the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies at Kuwait University titled, “Why Do Women Remain Silent and How Can We Encourage Them to Seek Help?” During the session, Tamkeen’s President and Chair, Ibtisam Al-Qaoud, stressed the need to intensify academic and community efforts to protect women from all forms of violence and to advocate for more effective legislation and policies to ensure a safe environment for women. Dr Salwa Al-Jassar, board member of Tamkeen and faculty member at Kuwait University, highlighted the critical role of education in reducing violence against women. She emphasized that schools and universities can shape societal awareness and instill values of respect and equality, noting that integrating human rights and gender equality concepts into curricula helps establish a culture that rejects violence from an early age. Dr Asma Al-Saadi, Director of the Family and Child Center in the United Arab Emirates, pointed out that the family serves as the primary environment in which gender equality values are formed. She stressed that promoting justice and mutual respect within homes is essential to reducing violence against women.
Panel participants underscored the importance of raising community awareness and implementing effective policies, citing international reports that confirm violence against women remains a widespread challenge requiring coordinated action from educational, health and legal institutions. They called for sustainable awareness campaigns targeting families and schools, as well as stronger collaboration between government agencies and civil society to provide comprehensive protection programs, 24/7 helplines, and support services to ensure a safe and dignified life for every woman in society. — KUNA
President of the Tamkeen Organization and Chair of the Session, Ibtisam Al-Qaoud
Dr Salwa Al-Jassar, Board Member of the Tamkeen Organization and Faculty Member at Kuwait University
