HRH Princess Sabeeka opens international conference

Manama, Nov. 14 (BNA): Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) stressed the growing participation of Bahraini women in all sectors, pointing out their remarkable presence in leading and executive posts. In an opening speech of an international conference on the role of women's political participation in achieving development justice, HRH Princess Sabeeka affirmed that the competence of Bahraini women entitles them to lead in all national fields, including the political one. The conference is held under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka on November 14 and 15 at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre with the participation of an elite of leading personalities, parliamentarians, officials, experts and academics from Bahrain and beyond. HRH Princess Sabeeka cast light on active participation of Bahraini women in the legislative and municipal elections which will have their primary results announced within days. She pointed out that Bahraini women were given the right to vote in the municipal elections as early as the 1930's. She also recalled with appreciation the meetings held with Bahraini women in preparation for 2002 elections, stressing the hope and enthusiasm shown then in preparation for a new phase for women to exercise their rights as fully-entitled citizens. HRH Princess Sabeeka also pointed out the efforts made at the international level to boost women's participation in the political life. She also pointed out the ongoing efforts of SCW in mapping out a general policy, setting a legislative framework and following up on the implementation of quality plans to achieve gender balance at the national level. She took pride in the council's ability in less than ten years to work out a national model to integrate women's needs in development and achieve gender balance. She voiced keenness on promoting the kingdom's successful experience worldwide, pointing out developing a national award to encourage institutions to empower women and promote positive practices. She also praised the positive echo of the experience which was adopted by the United Nations. HRH Princess Sabeeka thanked the participants in the conference, wishing the event every success in working out innovative and active solutions for a broader participation of women in achieving stability and prosperity all over the world.