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Multi-Country Programs
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MEPI in Kuwait
Completed MEPI PRogramsKuwait ProgramsThe following provides descriptions of completed programs in Kuwait, as well as a list of Regional Programs in which Kuwaiti organizations or individuals participate. National Democratic Institute
Study Mission of Arab Election Experts to Kuwait - Several days in advance of Kuwait’s May 17 Parliamentary elections, the National Democratic Institute, in partnership with the Kuwait Transparency Society, organized the study visit of a five-person delegation of Arab civic leaders who have previously observed or been involved in election processes elsewhere in the MENA region. The delegation met with local experts and stakeholders, shared their observations, and participated in a roundtable discussion examining electoral processes and reform around the MENA region. Post-election, a summary of the roundtable discussion, as well as accounts of the delegation’s experiences in Kuwait, were posted to an on-line, Arabic-language portal that serves as repository for materials and reports related to MENA democratic developments.
Kuwait Journalists Association represented by Huseein Abdulrahman Seeking International Standards of Free Press Protection - The new Press and Publications Law that was passed in Kuwait in 2006 contains vague wording that makes it possible for journalists and media outlets to be charged in criminal court for publishing material deemed to negatively impact such things as the “reputation” of the nation and/or government officials. The leadership and members of the Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) felt strongly that in order to adequately address the problem, certain provisions of the law must be amended. In this three-phase project, participants examined international legal standards for protecting freedom of the press; formed a drafting committee to draft suggested amendment language necessary for Kuwaiti law to reflect these standards; and formed an advocacy committee that received training on how to garner public support for amendments and effectively lobby the Parliament and Government for their passage. The Women's Network Make Your Right to Vote Count - The Women’s Network urged women in Kuwait to vote through publication of an educational voting leaflet outlining voting rights and procedures. A one-page, two-sided leaflet was distributed to 200,000 women before the June 29 parliamentary elections. Side one urged women to use their newly-acquired right to vote, and included bullet points regarding a woman’s right and duty to vote as Kuwaiti citizens; the fact that Islam does not prohibit a woman's vote; and quotes from Kuwaiti, Arab, and religious leaders condemning vote buying. Side two focused on process, and included key voting day instructions, including the voting locations and procedures, as well as information about the ballot and the proper way to complete it. Subsequent to elections, a scientific poll of a random sample of eligible Kuwaiti women voters examined what determined each woman’s decision to vote or not vote, and what impact the leaflet and its message had on each woman’s decision to vote.
Political Education Brochure for Kuwaiti Women - This grant supported the production of a political education brochure for Kuwaiti women. The goal was to increase women's participation in the political process, thereby strengthening the democratic reform process. Luthan Youth Activities Center (LOYAC) Summer Training and Activities for Kuwaiti Youth - LOYAC organized a summer training and activities session for Kuwaiti youth. The training sessions were organized through awareness committees, grouping teams of youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to work together on issues important to civil society and civic participation in Kuwait. The students gained substantive skills as well as notions of civic participation through community service. The program aimed to encourage political activity and participation in community service. Martha Steffens, University of Missouri journalism professor, in partnership with the Kuwait Journalists AssociationParliamentary Elections Coverage & Reporting Effectively - Martha Steffens, facilitated by the Kuwait Journalists Association, provided training to media professionals through workshops to improve the ability of journalists and editors in Kuwait to report effectively and ethically on parliamentary campaigns and election day events. A follow-up phase trained journalists on covering the activities of parliament and parliamentarians. Samples of pre and post workshop reporting were compiled and used as instructional tools. The project produced a manual for distribution to all participants and KJA members, and a journalist's code of ethics.
Cinemagic Scholarship Program - This scholarship program assisted students from marginalized groups or economically disadvantaged areas to express themselves through film. Project participants created civic-minded films aimed at Kuwaiti youth on environmental and health. These films were shown at a Kuwaiti cinema, and may be eligible for additional cinema screenings. Kuwait Economic SocietySurvey of Kuwaiti Women - The project goal was to identify the views of Kuwaiti citizens on women's participation in public life. The project undertook in-depth, quantitative surveying to gauge the support for women's full exercise of their political rights. The results were used to identify issues of concern, assist women running for office in building platforms and advise the candidates of the public expectations for their performance as leaders. Kuwaiti individuals or groups participated in the following completed programs, which took place in two or more countries in the region (Click Here to see descriptions of regional programs). MEPI reform pillars are listed in parentheses.
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