(MENAFN - Arab Times) "The Kuwaiti woman remains unfairly deprived of leadership positions in the country even though the Constitution has equated between men and women," said fifth constituency candidate Saleh Mohawish.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the constituency, he stressed that the proportion of women in leadership position is only 10 percent therefore it is necessary to develop women's roles and integrate them further into society. He added that the issue will be his priority if elected, especially the rights of children of Kuwaiti women to citizenship - children of divorced, widowed women and those who are married to non-Kuwaitis.
Mohawish noted that the number of Kuwaiti women married to Bedoun (stateless residents) or expatriates is more than 12,000, while the number of divorced women has exceeded 27,500 and the number of widowed women is more that 21,200. The number of unmarried women who've reached the age of 40 is 8,600.
Mohawish added that the citizenship law of 11959 has omitted the right of Kuwaiti women to give their nationality to their children, and therefore the children's rights in education, health care and housing among others. This is inconsistent with human rights conventions and international agreements which are non-discriminatory between men and women and their rights and duties.
The candidate said that in most incidents the Kuwaiti woman, who is married to a non-Kuwaiti, loses her children when divorced because the law is not on her side. However, the law currently states that citizenship can be granted to her children on the condition that the father is deceased or is divorced.
Meanwhile, fourth constituency candidate Mohammed Owaid Al-Mutairi urged the Interior Ministry and media outlets to stand firmly against the buying of votes within the constituency. He said that the Interior Ministry must strictly enforce the law, while media outlets must increase the awareness of the dangers of vote-buying amongst the citizens. He added that incompetent lawmakers will reach the parliament as a result of the illegal actions.
On his part, fifth constituency candidate Faisal Al-Hajeri warned on those who are using the problems that are encountered by the disabled in Kuwait for political gain. He added laws for the disabled segment of society are not yet fully enforced despite the high capabilities of the country.
