Awareness-raising movement in association with UNiTE and UN Women to end violence against Women

Kuwait, 6 December 2020: Al Hamra Real Estate Company joins hands with UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE and UN Women, in the global campaign ‘Orange the World’ to end violence against women by 2030. As one of the first Kuwaiti companies to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS) on the UN site, Al Hamra honored its part in the world-wide movement by lighting it’s iconic Business Tower ‘orange’ on 25th November 2020. To mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the business hub will remain lit until 10th December 2020.  

The Chief Administrative Officer - CAO of Al Hamra Real Estate Company, Mrs. Abrar Abdulaziz Al Habeeb, stated, “Al-Hamra Real Estate Company values this initiative as it has always supported the role of women on a professional and societal level. We are committed to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and recognize the important role of the private sector to support efforts in ending violence against women. We remain committed to these principles through a set of initiatives that will ultimately enable women’s active participation and growth in the private sector in coordination with the United Nations”. 

She also stated, “We believe it is imperative that we, as a society, lend a helping hand to future generations, and are pleased to come together with so many like-minded companies to shine a spotlight on the vital contribution of women in accelerating social-economic growth. Sexual harassment and violence incur high costs to women in terms of lost earnings, missed career advancement and overall wellbeing. On the other hand, companies are impacted by employee absenteeism and productivity losses. Employers’ investment in prevention and response to violence against women, including domestic violence, is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do.We hope to raise awareness by being a part of the ‘Orange the World’ initiative and to, one day, eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls”.

Dr. Lubna Alkazi, Director of the Women’s Research and Studies Center in the College of Social Sciences, Kuwait University said, “Al Hamra was one of the first Kuwaiti companies to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS) on the UN site. By joining the private sector companies in lighting orange from 25th  November 2020 to 10th Decembe 2020, it is again emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable development goal 5 on gender empowerment. Our late Emir Sheikh Sabah Ahmed AlSabah signed at the UN in 2015, Kuwait’s commitment to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), core part of our National Development plan and the New Kuwait vision 2035.” 

She further added,” Kuwait had also passed its landmark law on protecting women and girls from violence last August hence, the lighting of national landmarks such as the Al Hamra Business Tower sends a powerful message across the country and globally, that we believe in the elimination of violence. Backed by the immense support of Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, H.E. Mariam Al-Aqeel, we see it as a societal responsibility and safeguarding women and girls is a priority for our progress.”

Commenting on the advancement of women empowerment and gender equality in Kuwait, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, H.E. Mariam Al-Aqeel said,” I am happy to say that we have taken several steps in addressing women’s rights and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment to help them thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Kuwait’s Ministry of Health provides optimal health care to women subjected to violence especially in cases of acute illnesses and various types of emergencies, including  rigorous follow ups on psychological distress across every department and hospital. A catalyst for positive change and sustainability, gender equality remains a strong goal and socio-economic responsibility for all.” 

Al Hamra has launched and supported a myriad of creative women empowerment programs, most notably ‘Sout Afkari’, a one-of-a-kind contemporary TV-series format that brought together 30 Kuwaiti female role models from all walks of life. As one of the first companies in Kuwait to endorse the global pledge for gender equality and women empowerment, the community program is in line with Al Hamra’s commitment to UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP). Al Hamra also partnered with prominent teachers from Governmental schools across Kuwait to help level the playing field for girls and boys through complimentary private tutoring in addition to sponsorship of the Women’s Football Tournament 2019, promoting female athletes and FIKRA, empowering a new generation of male and female entrepreneurs in Kuwait. 

On International Women's Day 2019, Al Hamra  hosted a high-profile event in partnership with UN Women which had developed a women empowerment blueprint and action plan, with concrete measures to help drive a gender balanced agenda inside the organization. The agenda seeked to award distinguished female staff with prestigious leadership training programs and shadowing management practices to advance skills and enable equal promotion opportunities in the future.