ABSTRACT
This research was conducted to explore the social transformation of Kuwaiti women. In the past, Kuwaiti women only had roles in the private sphere of the family and home. Kuwaiti women were also not allowed to obtain higher education qualifications. Women in Kuwait were in a marginal position compared to men. However, there has recently been a social transformation in the role of Kuwaiti women. Kuwaiti women have started gaining higher education qualifications and participating in the workforce. Gender equality in Kuwait is increasing as seen in the report ‘Global Gender Gap Index 2015’ (World Economic Forum, 2015), which announced that Kuwait has the highest level of gender equality among the Gulf States. This change certainly contributes to economic development in Kuwait. By using a qualitative method and descriptive analysis approach (Creswell, 2010), this study aimed to analyse the factors which led to the social transformation of Kuwaiti women and their contribution to the economic development of the country.
