Votes for women

Kuwait City

Kuwait’s parliament this week granted women the right to vote and hold political office. Islamic conservatives, who dominate the legislature in the constitutional monarchy, have long opposed political rights for women. Under pressure from the royal family, the conservatives gave in this week, but only after winning approval of an amendment that requires separate polling places for male and female voters. “Thank God, now we’ve got our rights,” said Siham Freih, a university professor. “Kuwait’s image was tarnished because women were taking part in all professional fields but were deprived of the vote.” Women can now vote in all Arab countries except Saudi Arabia.