Women In Kuwait: The Politics of Gender

by Haya Al-Mughni

The enfranchisement of women presents a significant challenge to Kuwait’s traditional system of politics and tribe. This step in the democratization process is, however, more likely to strengthen, rather than weaken, state control over domestic politics. Based on first-hand research and an extensive analysis spanning three decades, this book demonstrates how the relationship between women and the state has come to shape Kuwaiti society and national politics.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism

174 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Letitia]

This book will serve some better than others. For my purposes, I actually found Islamic Feminism in Kuwait by Gonzalez to be a bit more helpful, but in speaking to women from Kuwait, I find that this book is "the Bible" of Kuwaiti feminism.

It gives a very thorough historical basis for women's rights activism and effectively allows the reader to understand the socio-political context of each wave of change. It is quite thorough in this regard, and I really appreciated it for giving me the historical context. It was, however, published in 1986, and much of the findings will not ring true today. So as a basis for understanding where Kuwaiti women have come from, it's great. Maybe read first and the pick up Islamic Feminism in Kuwait to gain a better contemporary understanding.

[Jubing]

Women in Kuwait is required reading for all Kuwaiti feminists. It presents an overview of the women’s rights landscape in its most pivotal years. Infighting between the women’s organisations of the 1980s were the downfall of the movement and ushered in an era where the women’s rights movement was hijacked by politico-islamist extremists, much to the confusion of those who see the trajectory of human rights as a straight line towards greater freedom. An understanding of this “hijack era” and its lasting damage is crucial to any Kuwaiti woman willing to shed the baggage of the past and move into a bright and open future.

[Maud (reading the world challenge)]

[#82 Kuwait] This was a very interesting essay not only about what feminism looks like in a Muslim country but also on a larger scale about how social rights are never permanently acquired. It was very interesting to see the arguments (religious ones but also economical and political ones) used to refuse women the right to work and vote. It was incredible how it was women's organizations in the 80s that tanked the efforts made so far by feminists. Overall, it was a very instructive and accessible book. I especially liked that the author made the effort of giving context; for example, by explaining, in a few pages, the birth and growth of Kuwait.

[Michele Benson]

Kuwait. Difficult to read story of the struggle for women’s rights in Kuwait after the Gulf War. They were promised equality during their huge war efforts…. But no surprise, none of that came to pass after the war ended. No votes, limited cell phone usage, no driving. All activities controlled by male relatives.

[Sheikha]

Such a brilliant a thorough insight into the world of gender that exists in Kuwait.
A must read for any one wishing to know more about the lives of Kuwaiti women from an unbiased and genuine perspective, more importantly as a Kuwaiti woman i feel seen!

[Zahraá]

Such an essential book to help understand the importance of feminism in Kuwait.

[Lulu]

Also ‘Check Dr. Ghadeer Aseeri PhD dissertation . She explained the establishment of the women's movement in Kuwait.’

[Hfaisal]

Good to know about this info