Manama, Nov. 30: Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD), lauded the achievements of Bahraini women as an active partner in the political and democratic reform march and comprehensive development. He stressed their pivotal role in activating the legislative and municipal councils and backing media development under the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Information Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), as well as all Bahraini women on the Bahraini Women’s Day 2018. He stressed that respect of women’s rights reflects the approach of justice, equality and equal opportunities adopted under the royal reform project. He pointed out the SCW’s achievements since its inception in 2001 and its key role in empowering women and promoting their rights according to the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2013-2022) and international conventions.
Al Romaihi paid tribute to Bahraini women for their remarkable contribution to the kingdom’s democratic march since their membership in the National Action Charter preparation committee. He also pointed out their exercising of their full political rights since 2002 parliamentary and municipal elections. He added that in the elections 5th session this year, Bahraini women represented half the electoral bloc. They were also able to clinch three parliamentary seats and one municipal seat in the first round, adding to their distinguished record in the fourth legislative term after clinching 15% of the Shura and Representatives Councils seats and 20% of the seats of the municipal councils and the Capital Municipality.
The Information Minister praised growing political awareness which was reflected in the increased number of women candidates for the Representatives Council from 8 in 2002 to 40 in 2018. He also lauded Bahraini women’s contribution to the cultural, intellectual and media field. He pointed out that women employees account for 33% of the Information Ministry staff and 50% of the National Communication Centre personnel. He stressed keenness to project the honourable civilisational image of Bahraini women and back programmes supporting their rights.
Al Romaihi hailed the advanced status of Bahraini women on the regional and international scenes which mainly culminated in awarding HRH Princess Sabeeka the Arab Woman Medal by the Arab League and choosing Manama “the Capital of Arab Women 2017”. Bahrain also delivered the Arab Group speech before the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The kingdom won membership of the UN Women Commission, Women Executive Board and Human Rights Council. This is in addition to the outstanding international response to HRH Princess Sabeeka’s International Women Empowerment Award since its launch in partnership with the United Nations.
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