MEPI in Kuwait
Completed MEPI PRograms
Kuwait Programs
The following provides descriptions of completed programs in Kuwait, as well as a list of Regional Programs in which Kuwaiti organizations or individuals participate.
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) feel strongly that in order to adequately address the problem, certain provisions of the law must be amended. In this three-phase project, participants will examine international legal standards for protecting freedom of the press; form a drafting committee to draft suggested amendment language necessary for Kuwaiti law to reflect these standards; and form an advocacy committee that will receive 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 urges women in Kuwait to vote through publication of an educational voting leaflet outlining voting rights and procedures. A one-page, two-sided leaflet is distributed to 200,000 women before the June 29 parliamentary elections. Side one urges women to use their newly-acquired right to vote, and includes 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 focuses on process, and includes 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 will examine 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 supports the production of a political education brochure for Kuwaiti women. The goal is 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 will organize a summer training and activities session for Kuwaiti youth. The training sessions are 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 gain substantive skills as well as notions of civic participation through community service. The program aims to encourage political activity and participation in community service.
Kuwait Economic Society
Survey of Kuwaiti Women - The project goal is to identify the views of Kuwaiti citizens on women's participation in public life. The project will undertake in-depth, quantitative surveying to gauge the support for women's full exercise of their political rights. The results will be 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.
Bahrain
Kuwait
