Dr. Masouma Al-Mubarak has gone down in her country’s history as the first woman to become a Kuwaiti minister. This decision was made after the Kuwaiti Parliament had confirmed women’s political rights. Her first comment after the appointment as Minister of Administrative Planning and Development was, “It’s an honor for me to be the first female minister in Kuwait and I hope that appointing a woman will be a source of strength, confirming women’s importance and emphasizing their role in the process of construction and development.”
She told Sayidaty: “I’m fully aware of the responsibility and I would like to record my pride in the confidence placed in me. There is no doubt that I look at this confidence from a patriotic viewpoint and I see the appointment as another opportunity to serve my country.”
Of her anticipated relations with the members of Parliament who were not in favor of appointing a women minister, she said, “I hope my relations with all members will be amiable and based on cooperation through which we can achieve our collective aim — to serve Kuwait and its people.”
She admitted that she wished she could continue teaching at the university and also serve as a minister. “I wish it were possible to do both but the issue has not been resolved yet.” The new minister stated that her selection was based on her capabilities and experience and nothing else.
A number of Kuwaiti women commented on the appointment. Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahd, the President of the Kuwaiti Union of Women Associations said:“It is likely that there will be another female minister appointed in the near future. Al-Mubarak’s appointment was a surprise even though she deserved it because of her practical and scientific qualifications, her political activity and her struggle for the rights for women in and out of Kuwait.”
Dr. Fatmah Al-Abdali said: “For women to enter government is a healthy sign of democracy. There is no doubt that Dr. Masouma will be able to do what is needed and we hope that everyone will give her the support she needs in order to carry out her plans.” The President of the Women’s Social Association, Sheikha Al-Nisf said: “The presence of the Kuwaiti women in the decision-making arena is an accomplishment and a victory in achieving women’s demands.”
Lulwa Al-Mullah, a Kuwaiti woman’s activist, said, “Kuwait is now being described as a developed country which implements democracy and we trust that Dr. Masouma is up to the responsibility.”
The deputy minister of information for the tourism sector, Nabila Al-Anjari said, “This is a new achievement for Kuwait. The choice of Al-Mubarak is an excellent one and she deserves the post. Her reaching such a status is an honor and a source of pride for all Kuwaiti women and we hope she will able to achieve her aims.”
