Bahraini women consolidate patriotic, leadership roles in achieving development, strengthening diplomatic action

Manama, Sept. 2 (BNA): Four Bahraini members of the Shura Council have highlighted how Bahraini women have established their national and leadership roles in achieving growth and prosperity in the Kingdom and strengthened diplomatic action based on their sense of patriotic responsibility and their eagerness to contribute to progress and development in various fields. The parliamentarians said that such accomplishments were made possible thanks to the tremendous support extended by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The Shura members participated on Wednesday in a webinar on “Power parity: getting to a new normal in political representation” organized by Women Political Leaders (WPL) and Women 20 (W20). The webinar was the first in a short series of virtual gatherings of eminent political and corporate leaders who are strong advocates of inclusive decision-making processes and the economic empowerment of women. The high-level panel discussion highlighted the exemplary role female political leaders and health and social workers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this could translate to more positive perceptions of women in leadership. It was also opportunity to cultivate a “new normal” in which inclusive decision-making processes become the rule for political and diplomatic representation. Bahrain was represented at the webinar by Dr Ebtesam Mohammed Saleh Al Dalal, Dr Jehad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Dr Fatima Abduljabbar Al Kooheji and Mona Yousif Al Moayed, alongside Shura Council Deputy Secretary General for Relations, Media and Research and Chair of the Equal Opportunity Committee Dr Fawzia Al Jeeb. Al Dalal said that Bahraini women have proven throughout history that they have an essential role in achieving development and that their numerous contributions constitute a source of pride for all. Bahraini women presented during the implementation of the national campaign to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) an outstanding model in patriotic action, offering unprecedented generosity, sincerity and dedication since the start of the campaign in February, she said. Such dedication has enhanced their national role in Bahrain’s comprehensive and sustainable development at all levels, she added. Al Fadhel stressed that forward-looking progress of Bahraini women over many decades is replete with successes and achievements, which reflects the spirit of responsibility, persistence, and hard work in various fields and sectors. Bahraini women have taken up leadership positions, enjoyed a prominent status and won praise for everything they have done for the sake of Bahrain, she said. This constitutes a motive and an incentive for them to be generous in their efforts and determined in their progress and to continue achieving further development for the Kingdom, she added. Al Kooheji said that Bahraini women have contributed thanks to their dedication and sincerity to supporting the educational process during the coronavirus pandemic by continuing to provide lessons through various ways and technologies, which is part of their important role in confronting the repercussions of the coronavirus. Bahraini women have been essential partners in the steady development of education despite all challenges, devoting time and energy to enhance their skills and amplify their aptitudes to boost the standards of the education process in Bahrain, she said. Al Moayed said that the Bahraini society has acquired at a high level of awareness of all the efforts made by Bahraini women, which has contributed to reducing the societal gap and strengthening the success of Bahraini women, especially in boosting entrepreneurship and supporting the national economy. Bahraini women are a model for dedicated women who stand side by side with men in implementing ambitious strategies and plans in order to achieve a more comprehensive prosperity for Bahrain, she said.