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Don’t mind the late-news headline, but I couldn’t resist the “News Of The Day” aura. So, yes Kuwait finally did it. The people of Kuwait broke another barrier in the on-going war on sexism and discrimination. And when it rains, it pours. Not one, but four. One of which was the first in her district and another the second. It’s hardly a liberal uprising and, to tell you the truth, some of them could might as well pass for the piety bloc. But, complaining is so 2000 and late. 

The atmosphere is rampant with moods of change. Whether or not that was influenced by Obama’s famous campaign and victory, it is welcome, nonetheless. Considering Kuwait’s history as a progressive nation that fell as prey to the dynamic of an early democracy, it should not be a big deal. Actually, it’s quite sad that it took that long. But, on the contrary, after a deadlock and a state of conservative plateau that hindered the country’s progress for years, it can only mean good news. 

Even as the beardist ghouls are still lurking and will probably be watching all the female MPs for any minor slip-up, the social outpouring for such a victory is proof of the women have public popularity and that means staying power. The general reception of the election results is nothing but an indication of the need to break the routine and reassess the state of the nation. All these lies and the propaganda seem to be not convincing anymore and that’s why we see these changes.

The liberal gain, aside from the inclusion of women in parliament, is really not the prominent. The fundamentalist loss is considerably better. But the fight on tribalism, corruption, favoritism, discrimination and even sexism is far from over. In fact, it barely started. In congratulations, people are still referring to these women as ” حريم”. A word that is drenched in objectification of women as forbidden beings. Not to take this post into a rant on feminist theory, but just an indication of how far we have to go. 

Positively, though, it’s a good day not just for Kuwait but all of humanity and a sign that there is room for change. Now these women will enter as a foursome and the religious fascists will have to deal one-on-one with them if they want to get votes to have their bills passed. Moreover, they will have first-hand experience as to what it feels like for a women to live in Kuwait. Stone-Age laws like segregation, the ban on Kuwaiti women to bestow citizenship, marriage issues, unequal inheritance and divorce will definitely be get a revisiting, if not a rehashing. 

It’s a good day and a new page, of sorts, and it is always good to aim for progress and beat out pessimism. So, this is for all the Kuwaiti women who struggled all their lives only to be treated as second-class citizen. This is all in memory, in support and in respect of that struggle.