Royal pride in national effort to women's advancement

Manama, (BNA): HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at the Sakhir Palace, received President of the Supreme Council for Women HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa accompanied by members of the jury panel of HRH the Princess’s Global Award for Women Empowerment on the sidelines of the panel’s meeting in Bahrain to be held on 14, 15 November. HM the King expressed appreciation of the national efforts made by all institutions, notably the SCW chaired by HRH wife of HM the King, which has committed since its inception to boosting women’s status in society. HM the King noted the SCW’s efforts to introduce the Bahraini women’s contributions to the national development efforts, in addition to their family responsibilities. HM the King stressed promoting the Bahraini women’s rights to continue their contributions to serve the nation and the community. Saying Bahraini women's contributions are a role model to follow in a unified society that embraces various religions and sects and welcomes everyone. HM the King thanked members of the jury panel for their role in highlighting the goals of the award at the global level based on principles of justice, equal partnership between man and woman in urban construction and maintaining human security and stability. HM the King pointed out the Bahraini women’s participation in political field and upcoming elections, which reflects their awareness to take on their national duties. HM the King welcomed the increase in number of women candidates in the 2018 elections to 44 compared to 8 in 2002, in addition to their presence in 26 constituencies, where women constitute 50% of the electoral bloc, affirming support for exercising their political rights as a key component of the society. HM the King took pride in the citizens’ interest to participate in the 2018 parliamentary and municipal elections, which reflects their respect for national responsibilities. He called on voters and candidates to assume their national responsibilities to continue their role in underpinning the development process taking place in various fields, wishing everyone success to bring more achievements within the framework of national unity. HM the King wished the participants in the international forum success, which attracted elite international personalities, noting the importance of the event in enhancing efforts to sustain women’s advancement at the political level, decision-making and activating their participation in public life. He stressed Bahrain will remain committed to its policy of openness to global development experiences, taking into account national specificity. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa voiced gratitude for the royal support to the SCW, which has been a motive to activate its role and to accept national responsibilities in the areas of women’s advancement and boosting the homeland’s international standing. She also underlined the royal support for the award since it was launched at the national level by a royal order 14 years ago. HRH the Princess commended the jury members’ rich contributions to women advancement. She explained that the forum on women’s political participation coincides with parliamentary and municipal elections and Bahraini Women’s Day that will celebrate their contributions to the development of legislative and municipal action.