Kuwait: Arab delegations in Kuwait discuss women as judges

KUWAIT: Arab delegations participating in a conference held here by the "Organization for Outstanding Parliamentary Performance" discussed the issue of assigning women as judges and Islamic views in this regard. Two sessions, held Sunday evening, were headed by chief of the religious committee at the Egyptian Parliament Dr Ahmad Omar Hashim and Kuwaiti politician Aisha Al-Rshaid.

Lawyer Salma Al-Ajmi said there is no legal or religious reason that bans women from becoming judges in Kuwait, while Sudanese Judge Nahid Atif Ismael pointed out that there is a religious dispute on the issue. Ismael said that there are 60 female judges in Sudan; five in the Supreme Court, 33 at the Court of Appeals, 18 at the Court of First Instance, and four at other courts.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese President's advisor Farida Ibrahim Ahmad said Sudanese women succeeded in holding high posts. Omani prosecution official Maisa Al-Ruqaishiya said Omani women contributed affectively in the field of prosecution, while Qatari prosecution official Marian Al-Jaber said that Qatari women were encouraged to work with the prosecution departments.

Despite the dispute on the issue of the post of judges, participants agreed that Islam granted women equal rights and ensured that they get inheritance, continuous financial support, dowry, housing, education, and the rights to own, buy, and sell property.

Lecturer at Al-Azhar university Dr Suad Saleh said that Islam called for equal rights for women 14 centuries ago. Societies are based on participation of both men and women in all affairs, she highlighted. Lecturer at Al-Azhar university Dr Amna Nasir stressed on the justice of Islam with both men and women, based on verses from the holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him.

The two-day conference, held under the patronage of First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was inaugurated by Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.

-- KUNA