In Kuwait, elections are giving women a chance to change politics. The election, which will be held on May 16, will be the second in the year since the parliament was dissolved. Since 2006, five governments have resigned and three parliaments have been dissolved, leaving the political situation highly unstable.

In 2005, in the midst of a volatile political situation, women gained full political rights, including the right to vote. Yet only gradually has this brought on faith in women’s leadership, and while about 45 women candidates ran in the last two general polls, none were elected. But this year, there seems to be a new excitement around the potential of women to bring progress and stability to the country.

Maasouma al-Mubarak, who became Kuwait’s first woman minister in 2005, has already registered and is confident that she will succeed. “I am very optimistic that a Kuwait woman will reach parliament this time. I was the first female minister and I am looking to become the first female to reach the national assembly,” she said. Mubarak’s optimistic outlook represents the hopeful attitude of many others within the country. Women, who comprise 54% of the population, will be participating in elections for the third time. With an increased political awareness regarding the rights and potential of women, there is a newfound optimism about the role of women in fostering peace and a more secure future for the country.

Women like Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar recognize that women’s role in politics is both a national and international issue. Al-Jassar noted that while the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women requires women have an equal opportunity to represent their government, in Kuwait, only 1.2% of leadership positions are held by women. In addition, research has correlated women’s involvement in politics with a decrease in political corruption, showing the promise of women’s leadership. With society becoming increasingly aware of women’s potential, it is up to the voters to determine the future of Kuwait. They must decide, as Al-Jassar said, “if they will allow themselves to be ensnared by empty promises or be more practical in the interest of Kuwait by supporting those who prioritize the nation’s welfare.”