Kuwaiti Women Step In As Co-ops Dismiss Board Members

In a strong move to enhance governance and transparency, Saleh Al-Enezi, Director of the Membership Affairs and Publicity Department in the Cooperative Societies Sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs, announced the successful implementation of the ministry’s strategic plan for the first half of 2025.

From January 1 to June 30, a total of 69 general assemblies were convened across various cooperative societies in Kuwait, accompanied by the approval of administrative bodies for 58 cooperatives and the formation of 24 new boards of directors. These measures were taken to stabilize cooperative work and ensure the continued provision of essential services to shareholders.

Steps Taken to Ensure Financial and Administrative Transparency

Al-Enezi emphasized that these developments reflect the ministry’s commitment to the principles of good governance and transparency, under the guidance of Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. As part of these efforts, decisive actions were taken to protect cooperative public funds and shareholder rights.

• Dissolution and dismissal of 16 boards of directors due to severe financial violations.
• Dismissal of 51 individual board members across 10 cooperatives.
• Dissolution of boards in 6 cooperative societies to restore proper governance.

Legal Mechanisms and Women Empowerment Initiatives

To further ensure board accountability, legal frameworks were applied, including a legal lottery to revoke memberships in 10 cooperatives. This step ensured compliance with the law and encouraged the introduction of new leadership.

In support of gender equality, 15 women were appointed to the boards of directors where previous members were dismissed. This aligns with government goals to empower women in leadership.

Growing Cooperative Sector and Shareholder Representation

Al-Enezi also revealed that the total number of shareholders in Kuwait’s cooperative sector has now reached approximately 526,000. This reflects the scale of public reliance and the importance of ongoing monitoring and reform to protect their interests.