Kuwait Banking Association: Kuwaiti Women Constitute 86% of Female Presence in the Banking Sector
On the occasion of Kuwaiti Women’s Day, the pioneering role of Kuwaiti women in various fields of work and development across all sectors of the country is once again commended, particularly in the banking sector. They have demonstrated their distinguished presence and high competence in work, leadership, and decision-making positions, becoming essential partners in the development, growth, and sustainability witnessed by the Kuwaiti banking sector.
On this occasion, Ms. Sheikha Al-Essa, Secretary General of the Kuwait Banking Association, affirmed that Kuwaiti women have, over the years, established themselves as a model of dedication, excellence, and the ability to face challenges. She noted that the achievements of women in the banking sector today reflect the high level of confidence in national female talent and their vital role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the competitiveness of banking institutions.
She added that Kuwaiti banks place great importance on empowering women and supporting their presence at various functional and leadership levels by providing supportive work environments, equal opportunities, and development and empowerment programs that contribute to strengthening women’s role as active partners in shaping the future of the Kuwaiti banking sector. Al-Essa pointed out that, according to the latest statistics issued by the Union at the end of March 2026, Kuwaiti women constituted 86% of the total female workforce in the banking sector. This reflects the advanced level achieved by Kuwaiti women and underscores the great confidence in their competence and ability to contribute effectively in various work positions, including leadership and decision-making roles. It also highlights the success of policies aimed at empowering women and enhancing their participation in this vital sector.
National Bank of Kuwait
For her part, Ms. Lulwa Al-Sane, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Success Support at the National Bank of Kuwait, stated that Kuwaiti Women’s Day represents an important milestone in highlighting the growing role of Kuwaiti women in the banking sector.
She emphasized that women are essential partners in NBK’s journey, and that empowering them is at the heart of its strategy through equal opportunity policies, investment in female talent, and the launch of specialized programs to support and empower female leaders, such as NBK RISE. She explained that women comprised 42.4% of the bank’s workforce at the end of 2025 and held 27.2% of management positions, noting that the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at the group level underscores NBK’s firm commitment to building a diverse and equitable work environment.
Commercial Bank of Kuwait
Ms. Ebtisam Al-Haddad, General Manager of Strategic Planning and Follow-up at Commercial Bank of Kuwait, said, “Kuwaiti women have always been a model of dedication and contribution at all levels and in various fields. They have distinguished themselves with their positive contributions wherever they have held important positions in various sectors of the country. Their contributions to the banking sector are yet another example of their sense of responsibility and their ability to face challenges, in light of what success and excellence in this vital sector require.”
She added that Commercial Bank of Kuwait places great importance on empowering Kuwaiti women, noting that Kuwaiti women comprise 44.35% of the bank’s total Kuwaiti employees. She pointed out that female talent receives full support from the Board of Directors within the framework of sustainability and gender equality goals, which is reflected in initiatives dedicated to building professional capabilities and preparing women for executive and supervisory roles.
Gulf Bank
Ms. Lamia Karam, General Manager of Treasury at Gulf Bank, stated that Kuwaiti women have established their pioneering presence in the banking sector, becoming pivotal partners in shaping its present and future. At Gulf Bank, we believe that empowering women is not merely an institutional commitment, but a fundamental pillar of our sustainability and corporate social responsibility (ESG) approach. We are committed to providing equal opportunities, promoting diversity, and supporting female leaders. The success of women in positions of responsibility embodies the power of innovation and influence, and reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable banking sector that contributes to the prosperity of Kuwait’s future.”
National Bank of Kuwait
Ms. Afrah Al-Arbash, General Manager of Human Resources at the National Bank of Kuwait, affirmed that “on Kuwaiti Women’s Day, we are proud of the contribution of Kuwaiti women to the growth and development of the banking sector in Kuwait.” Kuwaiti women have proven themselves to be active and key contributors across various banking sectors through their leadership, expertise, and commitment to development, playing a vital role in the ongoing progress and innovation within this industry. She added, “At the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), we are committed to empowering women by providing an inclusive work environment that supports professional growth, leadership development, and equal opportunities. We believe that investing in Kuwaiti banking talent is essential for developing the sector and supporting sustainable economic development in the State of Kuwait.” Kuwait International Bank (KIB)
Ms. Maab Mohammed Al-Qassem, General Manager of International Banking and Financial Institutions at KIB, also noted, “Kuwaiti women have demonstrated their pioneering presence in the banking sector through their active contributions to developing banking services, leading teams, and supporting digital transformation and innovation. They also play a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience and achieving growth and sustainability for financial institutions. Today, Kuwaiti women have become role models of excellence and professionalism, achieving remarkable accomplishments and assuming leadership positions that reflect their ability to make a real impact in this vital sector.” At KIB, we cherish the trust the bank has placed in us and the role we play as a key partner in its success story. We continue to work towards achieving further accomplishments that contribute to the development of the banking sector and support the national economy and sustainable development in the State of Kuwait.”
Burgan Bank
Ms. Dana Faisal Al-Jassem, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Burgan Bank, stated: “Kuwaiti women have proven their influential presence in all vital sectors of the country, especially the banking sector, not only through assuming leadership positions but also through their active contribution to developing the work environment, fostering innovation, and driving growth. At Burgan Bank, we believe that empowering women begins with giving them the opportunity to unleash their potential and achieve a real and sustainable impact. Today, I am proud of the achievements of Kuwaiti women, which reflect their ambition, competence, and ability to confidently and responsibly shape the future. Because you are our motivation… we continue to support and empower female talent to contribute to building a more advanced and resilient financial sector.”
Kuwait Finance House
On the occasion of Kuwaiti Women’s Day, Ms. Nihal Al-Muslim, Deputy General Manager of Products at Kuwait Finance House, affirmed that the bank continues its leadership in supporting and empowering women, stemming from its belief in their pivotal role in sustainable development and achieving success. She explained that the bank has strengthened its commitment to the principles of diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment by providing a supportive work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and equal opportunities. She noted that women represent 24.05% of the bank’s workforce, with Kuwaiti nationals comprising approximately 90% of the total female employees.
Al-Musallam emphasized that Kuwaiti women have proven their competence and excellence across various sectors and have played an active role in supporting the development and innovation process. She also pointed out that Kuwait Finance House (KFH) continues to launch initiatives and programs that enhance women’s participation and open broader horizons for their professional growth and advancement.
KFH is the first Islamic bank to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirming its firm commitment to empowering women and enhancing their leadership role.
Boubyan Bank
For her part, Ms. Sarah Al-Mutawa, Executive Director of Business Performance, Planning, and Innovation at Boubyan Bank, stated that the bank views women’s empowerment as an essential part of its corporate culture and its approach to building a more inclusive and sustainable work environment based on competence, equal opportunities, and enhanced participation in decision-making. She added that women leaders today play a pivotal role in the banking sector through their active contribution to innovation, institutional development, and change leadership, which enhances the quality of the work environment and supports the sustainability of institutions. She noted Boubyan Bank’s commitment to supporting female talent in various leadership positions and providing career paths that enable them to grow, develop, and contribute effectively to shaping the future of the banking sector.
Warba Bank
Ms. Maali Abdullah Al-Rashid, Head of Human Resources and Public Services at Warba Bank, affirmed that Kuwaiti women have proven their pioneering presence in various sectors, most notably the banking sector, through their successes and achievements that have strengthened Kuwait’s position as a leading financial and banking center.
Ms. Al-Rashid added that Kuwaiti women have become essential partners in decision-making and leading the development process, praising their competence, experience, and capacity for innovation and development, which have enabled them to assume leadership positions and contribute effectively to achieving the goals of banking and financial institutions.
She noted that supporting and empowering women is at the heart of the Kuwaiti banking sector’s approach, which is committed to providing a supportive and stimulating work environment that offers female employees opportunities for growth and professional advancement, in line with Kuwait’s development vision and reinforcing the principles of sustainability and institutional diversity.
Al-Rashid explained that celebrating Kuwaiti Women’s Day is an occasion to highlight the inspiring success stories of Kuwaiti women and to recognize their vital role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the comprehensive development process within Kuwaiti banks.
