French embassy celebrates International Women's Day

Manama, Mar. 9 (BNA): French embassy has organized a seminar on International Women's Day, under the theme "Women as drivers of change in the GCC countries". The event hosted a vitality of exchanges that highlighted the essential importance of issues related to the empowerment of women in Bahrain, France and the world. French Ambassador to Bahrain Jérôme Cauchard recalled that France has recently been committed to an ambitious and resolute feminist diplomacy in line with the programme of the French Presidency of the G7 in 2019. Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala Al Ansari stressed the importance of the seminar in highlighting the global efforts to advance women, and their impacts on societies’ development and stability, as well as in shedding light on the success of women across the Arabian Gulf region to become capable of leading the change, hand in hand with men, towards a better future that embraces everyone, without distinction. Al Ansari stressed that the Gulf women could not have attained their widely-recognized accomplishments hadn’t they adhered to their humanitarian heritage and national fundamentals which have never impeded their progress. She added that the GCC women have proven their presence and derived their strength from the GCC societies’ specific feature based on respect for intellectual diversity and protection of liberties, within the framework of the modernity march spearheaded by GCC leaders. SCW secretary general affirmed that GCC countries have not resorted to an imported model of women advancement, but developed their own example of achieving justice, equal opportunities and gender balance, expressing pride in the success of this home-grown GCC experience which has drawn international interest. Al Ansari pointed out that Bahrain has its own deeply-rooted women advancement experience dating back to as early as the 1920s with the establishment of public schools for girls, the participation of women in the first municipal elections in the country and their engagement in running public affairs, noting that thanks to that long organised civil movement and numerous achievements, Bahraini women have become effective partners in building their nation. She indicated that the council’s work relied on the existing rich heritage, strong public awareness, and particularly His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s decisive approach to place women advancement in the heart of the national reform project and sustainable development, in addition to the royal directives to all authorities to honour their constitutional and legal obligations and ensure women’s rights in both legislation and practice, noting that the SCW’s mandate is to monitor any gaps that may exist between laws and their implementation. While referring to women’s role in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic, Al Ansari stressed that the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19 have proved the need for women to be represented in the decision-making process and at the frontline across all life affairs, as the cost of their failure to do so would be higher. She said that Bahrain had maintained its deep-rooted approach based on engaging everyone in the development process, without any discrimination, adding that the kingdom will continue preserving its unique women advancement experience which has succeeded thanks to the determination of its leadership and people. SCW Deputy Secretary General Shaikha Deena bint Rashed Al Khalifa highlighted the determining role of Bahraini women, noting the broad perspectives given to women in Bahrain, even during the health crisis. The Director of the French Arabian Business School Dr. Arnaud Lacheret and recent author of the book "Women are the future of the Gulf", spoke about the particularly invigorating contribution of women to the changes in the Gulf and underlined their determination. Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa expressed pleasure in participating in such event, noting that these events strengthens bilateral relations. Presidents of several Bahraini associations active for the promotion of women, including the association of businesswomen, has participated. For the coming months, French Ambassador highlighted that French President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair with Mexico the Generation Equality Forum organized by UN Women on June.