Nerve Endings Firing Away

The new minister for planning and administrative development in Kuwait is; . (gasp!) a woman. Massouma al-Mubarak was sworn in yesterday signaling a new era for women in Islamic political circles in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia unfortunately still languishes in the stone-age by not allowing women to vote let alone contest an election. Kuwait has taken a bold step in empowering women politically by allowing them to vote and participate in politics and they should be applauded by all proponents of democracy. Of course, Massouma’s elevation wasn’t without protests from the tribal and Islamist MPs who protested that her appointment was unconstitutional. However, according to the constitutional experts, this objection has been overruled, making it clear that their protests have other motivations. It is difficult to believe that in the 21st century, women enfranchisement is still considered a luxury in some countries.