AMMAN: Kuwait's Rola Dashti was elected Monday evening as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Future, part of the Forum for the Future, in appreciation of her efforts in the human rights field.
Rahma Burgaya, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, said Dashti's election was inevitable given her activity in the human rights field and in promoting democracy, as well as her work with civil societies.
In her own address, Dashti said that she hoped she would be able to support civil societies in Kuwait financially, noting that the Foundation for the Future financed private institutions working to promote human rights and democracy in more than 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Kuwait.
She said she would encourage Kuwaiti civil societies to benefit from the opportunities offered by the foundation. Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees approved 21 new funding requests worth a total of $3.5 million, bringing the total grants made by the foundation to private institutions since March to $9.5 million.
The financed projects were chosen from a total of 128 submitted to the board, and focus on press freedom, civil culture, protecting economic and social rights, good governance, accountability, judicial reforms, women's empowerment, resolving disputes and arbitration, and minority rights.
Moreover, the board agreed to assign four officers in different areas of the Middle East and North Africa region, to work as incentive providers to civil societies and to attract as many projects and initiatives from civil societies as possible.
Furthermore, Foundation Chairperson Nabila Hamza gave a presentation on the foundation's achievements this year, including training, building capabilities, and conducting research and studies aimed at evaluating the feasibility of civil societies and the challenges they face.
The Amman-based Foundation for the Future was established with the mission to increase and diffuse knowledge concerning the long-term future of humanity. It conducts a broad range of programs and activities to promote an understanding of the factors in the social, genetic, biological, medical, psychological, physiological, cultural, technological, and ecological fields that may have an impact on human life during coming millennia.
The foundation was launched by the Forum for the Future, which was created following the G8 Sea Island Summit in the US state of Georgia in June 2004, during which the major industrialized countries vowed to push forward democratic reforms in the region's countries.
- KUNA
Showing posts with label Rola Dashti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rola Dashti. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Kuwait: Women hope to enter parliament despite obstacles
Kuwaiti women are optimistic of winning seats next month when they contest legislative elections for only the second time, but analysts believe their chances are slim for lack of political support.
None of 27 female candidates who contested the previous general elections in June 2006 was successful, but a number did make an unexpectedly strong showing despite having little time to prepare for the polls.
"I am really very optimistic about the chances of women winning seats in this election as political awareness has increased," Salwa al-Jassar told AFP after registering to contest the May 17 elections for the 50-seat parliament.
"My optimism is based on facts, not illusions," said the US-educated activist who heads the Centre for Enabling Women and who is standing for the first time.
Kuwaiti women won the right to vote and run for public office in a landmark vote in the conservative Gulf state's parliament in May 2005, after a struggle lasting more than four decades.
Since then, two women have been appointed to the oil-rich emirate's cabinet. One, former health minister Maasuma al-Mubarak, was forced to quit last year under pressure from Islamist MPs.
"I believe women have little chance of reaching parliament this time, but it will be a good opportunity for them to gain much-needed political experience," political analyst Nada al-Mutawa said.
Since these are early polls, called after the emir dissolved parliament in March, political groups are opting for well-established veteran male candidates, forcing women to run as independents, Mutawa told AFP.
The only exception has been the liberal National Democratic Alliance which is fielding university professor Aseel al-Awadhi alongside seven male candidates.
"This is certainly a good beginning for accommodating women in politics. It will encourage other women to join the mainstream political groups," said Mutawa, also a university professor.
Under the new system, the number of electoral districts has been reduced to five from 25, increasing the number of voters fivefold.
Analysts believe this will make it difficult for independents to win because candidates will need the backing of political groups or major tribes.
Political parties are banned in Kuwait, even though several political groups act as de facto parties.
"Independents, both men and women, will have a difficult time winning under the new system," Mutawa said.
Although Kuwaiti women constitute 43 percent of the national workforce of about 324,000 -- the highest proportion in any Gulf Arab state -- only a few hold top positions in government.
Candidate and activist Abdulaziz Makki Juma believes the only way women can win seats is through a quota system.
"I have no doubt that the only way for women to win seats is through a quota system. They are being fought by some Islamist groups like the Salafis and Muslim Brotherhood," he said.
"The problem also is that women voters do not vote for female candidates," he said.
Women constitute 55 percent of the electorate, down from 58 percent in the previous election. In 2006, official figures showed that most women voted for men.
The number of eligible women voters is 200,500, as against 161,200 men. This is mainly because military personnel, almost all male, are barred from voting.
But Mutawa said the quota system is not popular in Kuwait, and candidate Ghanima al-Haidar, contesting for the second time, said she does not support such a system either.
"It is a failure system... Women should win on their merit and competence and I am sure they will do so," Haidar told AFP.
Twenty-eight women signed up as candidates before registration closed on April 23.
Women candidates have again had little time to prepare for the polls because parliament was prematurely dissolved, as was the case in the 2006.
Candidate Sameera al-Shatti said the male mentality meant women's chances of electoral success were slim.
Men "think that women should follow them. Local laws also give preferential treatment to men," she said, referring to citizenship and housing.
Some women candidates are highly qualified. Rula Dashti has a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, Fatima Abdali holds a doctorate in environment studies, and Khaleda al-Khader has a doctorate in public health.
The women candidates include lawyers, businesswomen and activists.
-- Agence France-Presse
None of 27 female candidates who contested the previous general elections in June 2006 was successful, but a number did make an unexpectedly strong showing despite having little time to prepare for the polls.
"I am really very optimistic about the chances of women winning seats in this election as political awareness has increased," Salwa al-Jassar told AFP after registering to contest the May 17 elections for the 50-seat parliament.
"My optimism is based on facts, not illusions," said the US-educated activist who heads the Centre for Enabling Women and who is standing for the first time.
Kuwaiti women won the right to vote and run for public office in a landmark vote in the conservative Gulf state's parliament in May 2005, after a struggle lasting more than four decades.
Since then, two women have been appointed to the oil-rich emirate's cabinet. One, former health minister Maasuma al-Mubarak, was forced to quit last year under pressure from Islamist MPs.
"I believe women have little chance of reaching parliament this time, but it will be a good opportunity for them to gain much-needed political experience," political analyst Nada al-Mutawa said.
Since these are early polls, called after the emir dissolved parliament in March, political groups are opting for well-established veteran male candidates, forcing women to run as independents, Mutawa told AFP.
The only exception has been the liberal National Democratic Alliance which is fielding university professor Aseel al-Awadhi alongside seven male candidates.
"This is certainly a good beginning for accommodating women in politics. It will encourage other women to join the mainstream political groups," said Mutawa, also a university professor.
Under the new system, the number of electoral districts has been reduced to five from 25, increasing the number of voters fivefold.
Analysts believe this will make it difficult for independents to win because candidates will need the backing of political groups or major tribes.
Political parties are banned in Kuwait, even though several political groups act as de facto parties.
"Independents, both men and women, will have a difficult time winning under the new system," Mutawa said.
Although Kuwaiti women constitute 43 percent of the national workforce of about 324,000 -- the highest proportion in any Gulf Arab state -- only a few hold top positions in government.
Candidate and activist Abdulaziz Makki Juma believes the only way women can win seats is through a quota system.
"I have no doubt that the only way for women to win seats is through a quota system. They are being fought by some Islamist groups like the Salafis and Muslim Brotherhood," he said.
"The problem also is that women voters do not vote for female candidates," he said.
Women constitute 55 percent of the electorate, down from 58 percent in the previous election. In 2006, official figures showed that most women voted for men.
The number of eligible women voters is 200,500, as against 161,200 men. This is mainly because military personnel, almost all male, are barred from voting.
But Mutawa said the quota system is not popular in Kuwait, and candidate Ghanima al-Haidar, contesting for the second time, said she does not support such a system either.
"It is a failure system... Women should win on their merit and competence and I am sure they will do so," Haidar told AFP.
Twenty-eight women signed up as candidates before registration closed on April 23.
Women candidates have again had little time to prepare for the polls because parliament was prematurely dissolved, as was the case in the 2006.
Candidate Sameera al-Shatti said the male mentality meant women's chances of electoral success were slim.
Men "think that women should follow them. Local laws also give preferential treatment to men," she said, referring to citizenship and housing.
Some women candidates are highly qualified. Rula Dashti has a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, Fatima Abdali holds a doctorate in environment studies, and Khaleda al-Khader has a doctorate in public health.
The women candidates include lawyers, businesswomen and activists.
-- Agence France-Presse
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Kuwait: New faces from 5 constituencies
KUWAIT CITY: Political analysts and constitutional experts say Kuwait will soon witness a totally different parliamentary election due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system in the upcoming election.
Speaking to the Arab Times on Wednesday after HH the Amir issued a decree on the dissolution of the Parliament, Constitutional expert Dr Mohammed Al-Maqate said the next parliamentary election will be a novel experience for Kuwaiti voters due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system, instead of the 25 constituencies.
“The new Parliament will consist of new faces since the five constituencies electoral system is touted as a means to tone down tribal and familial influence — on a voter’s decision — hypothetically, from 75 percent to 30 percent. Citizens will no longer vote based on their tribal and friendly relations with candidates but on the candidates’ experience and qualifications,” Al-Maqate added.
When asked to explain the new electoral system, Al-Maqate underscored the fact that according to the Constitution, an election should take place within 60 days after dissolving the Parliament. Under the new system, Al-Maqate clarified that each constituency will elect 10 MPs instead of two under the previous system. He added citizens can vote for no more than four MPs out of 10 candidates in each constituency. Al-Maqate said the Ministry of Interior will supervise the election. It will be in charge of allocating polling stations, announcing their locations, and monitoring electoral records while the counting of votes will be under the jurisdiction of an impartial authority headed by the Ministry of Justice, he added.
The new electoral system was approved in 2006 after a heated argument between MPs and Cabinet members on the number of constituencies. The Cabinet pushed for ten constituencies while the MPs demanded only five constituencies. The Parliament was dissolved later since the two authorities were deadlocked on the issue. After the election, the new Parliament passed a law on the five constituencies.
According to the new law, the number of voters in the five constituencies will range from 38,000 to 90,000 instead of 5,000 to 31,000 under the 25 constituencies electoral system. Those who opposed the previous system have argued that the small number of voters encourages political corruption and vote-buying. Other MPs, however, were skeptical saying that the new legislation will not guarantee equality among citizens due to a wide disparity in the number of voters in the constituencies.
In related developments, Al-Maqate commented on the role of women in the upcoming election. He said women have very limited chances in the election “as none of the political blocs have shown any interest in supporting female candidates.”In 2005, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights.
None of the 27 female candidates, who ran for office in the 2006 parliamentary election, won a seat at the National Assembly. Recently, the Parliament amended a law on organizing parliamentary elections. According to the new conditions stipulated in this law, candidates are not allowed to put up tents or banners for their candidacy. They can also hold meetings only in these designated locations — school auditoriums, theaters or wedding halls.
Talking about the consequences of the abovementioned law, political activist and economist Rola Dashti said “this law guarantees equality among candidates as it is no longer based on who pays more to win votes. Media will play a great role in this election as there are no restrictions on utilizing any of its forms.” Under the new system, Dashti hopes voters will choose sincere candidates, who are keen on serving the nation and its people. “Kuwait is going through a very critical phase in its history made worse by the escalating tension in the region. At this point, the nation needs highly professional leaders with the ability to take wise decisions,” Dashti added.
Talking about the campaign procedures, Dashti explained those who intend to run in the election should file their candidacy immediately after the issuance of an Amiri decree on the dissolution of the Parliament. She added the decree includes the election date and candidates have the right to withdraw from the race any time before the election.
-- Arab Times
Speaking to the Arab Times on Wednesday after HH the Amir issued a decree on the dissolution of the Parliament, Constitutional expert Dr Mohammed Al-Maqate said the next parliamentary election will be a novel experience for Kuwaiti voters due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system, instead of the 25 constituencies.
“The new Parliament will consist of new faces since the five constituencies electoral system is touted as a means to tone down tribal and familial influence — on a voter’s decision — hypothetically, from 75 percent to 30 percent. Citizens will no longer vote based on their tribal and friendly relations with candidates but on the candidates’ experience and qualifications,” Al-Maqate added.
When asked to explain the new electoral system, Al-Maqate underscored the fact that according to the Constitution, an election should take place within 60 days after dissolving the Parliament. Under the new system, Al-Maqate clarified that each constituency will elect 10 MPs instead of two under the previous system. He added citizens can vote for no more than four MPs out of 10 candidates in each constituency. Al-Maqate said the Ministry of Interior will supervise the election. It will be in charge of allocating polling stations, announcing their locations, and monitoring electoral records while the counting of votes will be under the jurisdiction of an impartial authority headed by the Ministry of Justice, he added.
The new electoral system was approved in 2006 after a heated argument between MPs and Cabinet members on the number of constituencies. The Cabinet pushed for ten constituencies while the MPs demanded only five constituencies. The Parliament was dissolved later since the two authorities were deadlocked on the issue. After the election, the new Parliament passed a law on the five constituencies.
According to the new law, the number of voters in the five constituencies will range from 38,000 to 90,000 instead of 5,000 to 31,000 under the 25 constituencies electoral system. Those who opposed the previous system have argued that the small number of voters encourages political corruption and vote-buying. Other MPs, however, were skeptical saying that the new legislation will not guarantee equality among citizens due to a wide disparity in the number of voters in the constituencies.
In related developments, Al-Maqate commented on the role of women in the upcoming election. He said women have very limited chances in the election “as none of the political blocs have shown any interest in supporting female candidates.”In 2005, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights.
None of the 27 female candidates, who ran for office in the 2006 parliamentary election, won a seat at the National Assembly. Recently, the Parliament amended a law on organizing parliamentary elections. According to the new conditions stipulated in this law, candidates are not allowed to put up tents or banners for their candidacy. They can also hold meetings only in these designated locations — school auditoriums, theaters or wedding halls.
Talking about the consequences of the abovementioned law, political activist and economist Rola Dashti said “this law guarantees equality among candidates as it is no longer based on who pays more to win votes. Media will play a great role in this election as there are no restrictions on utilizing any of its forms.” Under the new system, Dashti hopes voters will choose sincere candidates, who are keen on serving the nation and its people. “Kuwait is going through a very critical phase in its history made worse by the escalating tension in the region. At this point, the nation needs highly professional leaders with the ability to take wise decisions,” Dashti added.
Talking about the campaign procedures, Dashti explained those who intend to run in the election should file their candidacy immediately after the issuance of an Amiri decree on the dissolution of the Parliament. She added the decree includes the election date and candidates have the right to withdraw from the race any time before the election.
-- Arab Times
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