Kuwait: Kuwaiti Panel Passes Women's Rights Bill
Source:
Arab News A Kuwaiti parliamentary panel yesterday approved landmark draft legislation that grants a host of benefits to women, the head of the committee said.
MP Saleh Ashour said the bill allows women to seek government housing on a par with men, increases paid leave to 70 days from a current 40 and grants maternity leave for up to two years.
The legislation must be passed by Parliament and signed by the emir to become effective. Ashour expected the bill to be debated in the house in March or April.
Under Kuwaiti law, only male citizens who are married can apply for a government house. The new bill gives the same right to Kuwaiti women who are divorced, widowed or married to foreigners.
The bill also obliges the government to pay monthly assistance of $865 to Kuwaiti women who are married, have children but don't have a job.
Kuwaiti women took part in parliamentary elections for the first time in June, one year after they were granted full political rights. Twenty-eight women candidates contested the elections but none of them won. The 16-member Kuwaiti Cabinet includes one woman minister.
-AFP, Feb. 05, 2007
Under Kuwaiti law, only male citizens who are married can apply for a government house. The new bill gives the same right to Kuwaiti women who are divorced, widowed or married to foreigners.
The bill also obliges the government to pay monthly assistance of $865 to Kuwaiti women who are married, have children but don't have a job.
Kuwaiti women took part in parliamentary elections for the first time in June, one year after they were granted full political rights. Twenty-eight women candidates contested the elections but none of them won. The 16-member Kuwaiti Cabinet includes one woman minister.
-AFP, Feb. 05, 2007
Submitted on Wed, 02/07/2007 - 00:00
Related News
- Muslim women in India petition Supreme Court to end 'triple talaq’ instant divorce
- India: 'Now, men will be a bit scared to say talaq'
- Turkey court ruling on religious marriages spurs uproar
- Algeria passes law banning violence against women
- Iran Will Allow Women in Sports Stadiums, Reversing a Much-Criticized Rule
Related Actions
- Saudi Arabia: Release Maysaa Alamoudi and Loujain Alhathloul
- SIGN THE PETITION: President Hamid Karzai: We call on you not to sign the new Law on Criminal Procedures
- Egypt: Postpone the 15 December referendum on the draft Constitution!
- Women Living Under Muslim Laws Statement on Libya
- Saudi Arabia: WLUML/VNC Statement: 'We Say "Yes" to Women's Full Enjoyment of their Rights'