The Relationship between Development and Gender Equality

In search of new perspectives on sustainable development through the lens of the 1959 Kuwaiti Nationality Law

Abstract

The Kuwait Nationality Law 1959 denies women the same rights as men to pass on their Kuwaiti citizenship to their husbands and children. This article draws on empirical research carried out in Kuwait. It seeks to explain Kuwaitis’ attitudes towards their Nationality Law within the context of feminist literature. The main argument put forward is that, not only is the Nationality
Law unconstitutional, but if the Kuwaiti Government is serious about attaining the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—especially Goal 5—then it ought to immediately consider addressing the issue of gender inequality in the Nationality Law. Gender equality is a prerequisite for achieving all the other SDGs, thus, achieving equality in the nationality law is a necessary step.