Kuwait introduces a monthly allowance of KD 560 for unmarried women aged 30 and above.
Image: Pexels.
For most women around the globe, financial freedom is typically something earned through a steady career, smart investments or running a business.
However, a few nations, particularly in the Arabian Gulf (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), are taking a different approach by redefining what independence looks like through government support.
Kuwait is the most recent country to offer a monthly financial allowance for single Kuwaiti women aged 30 years and above, whose fathers are deceased, IOL reported.
Under this initiative, the Ministry of Social Affairs said that eligible women will receive KD560 (approximately R29 400) per month.
The allowance is aimed at providing social and financial support to unmarried women and helping improve their quality of life.
The category will initially be applied on a trial basis before being considered for permanent adoption. The ministry urged charitable societies to assess these cases under approved procedures and verify official documents confirming the father’s death.
Recent data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) highlighted that there are nearly 40 000 unmarried Kuwaiti women over the age of 30.
This has sparked domestic debate about social dynamics, leading the government to reaffirm its commitment to these financial cushions while also looking at ways to encourage marriage, such as marriage grants for men marrying Kuwaiti women.
The grant helps cover the dowry or wedding costs so young couples don't start their lives in heavy bank debt.
The standard marriage assistance for a Kuwaiti man marrying a Kuwaiti woman is KD6 000 (approximately R315k).
This is split into two parts: KD2 000 (approximately R104k) is a non-repayable gift from the government, and a social loan of KD4 000 (approximately R210k), which is an interest-free loan.
The husband repays this in monthly instalments, usually around KD50 (approximately R2 600) per month.
Meanwhile, in January, new Ministry of Justice figures revealed the fast-paced nature of family life in the country.
A marriage is registered roughly every 34 minutes in Kuwait, but a divorce still happens about every 75 minutes. These figures highlight evolving family trends and the increasing pressure on traditional structures.
Social media users have noted the significance of the move, with one user, @ Sadeeq Yusuf, commenting: "That’s an interesting initiative. It shows real commitment to social welfare and supporting women without family-based financial support. I wish Nigeria could implement something similar."