Under the patronage and presence of Acting Director of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Center at Kuwait University, Prof. Yaqoub Al-Kandari, the Center hosted a panel discussion titled “Why Do Women Remain Silent, and How Do We Encourage them to Seek Help?” under the slogan: “Every Woman Has the Right to Live in Safety, and Society Must Protect This Safety.” The session was presented by Ms. Ibtisam Al-Qaoud and included contributions from local and regional experts, on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at Al-Jawhara Building, Sabah Al-Salem University City.

Prof. Al-Kandari opened the discussion by emphasizing the Center’s commitment to addressing pressing social issues, particularly violence against women. He highlighted that the session aligns with Kuwait University’s dedication to addressing socially relevant topics open for discussion and practical application, welcoming Ms. Ibtisam Al-Qaoud, Head of the International Organization for Women Empowerment and Capacity Building Tamkeen, who moderated the session.

From Qatar, Ms. Sheikha Al-Juffairi, a board member of the Arab Women Parliamentarians of Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, took part in the event, as well as Dr. Asma Al-Saadi, Director of the Family and Child Center from the UAE. From Kuwait University, panelists included Prof. Lubna Al-Kazi, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Prof. Salwa Al-Jassar, Board Member of the International Organization for Women Empowerment and Capacity Building Tamkeen and Faculty of Education. Also representing Kuwait University were Dr. Kulthum Awad, educational and psychological, specialist in behavior modification, and from the International University of Science and Technology in Kuwait (IUK), Dr. Suad Al-Harbi and Dr. Awatif Al-Mutairi. Additionally, Dr. Amira Al-Hassan, the Head of Mission of UN-Habitat to the GCC and Kuwait, and Dr. Huda Al-Enezi, General Manager and Founder of Kuwait Compliance Co.

The panel addressed key topics, including the current reality of violence against women in modern society, the role of education and media in mitigating violence, economic empowerment as a protective factor, and success stories of women who overcame experiences of abuse.

This discussion is part of ongoing efforts to raise societal awareness about social issues and violence against women, exploring strategies to empower women and reduce physical, verbal, and psychological abuse.