Bahraini women's landmark strides hailed

Manama, Dec. 1 (BNA): A tribute was paid to Bahraini women for their dedication in serving their nation and contributing to their country's development and progress. "Bahraini woman is the cornerstone of the family and society and an essential partner and active player in spearheading development and building the state of law", said Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi. In a statement marking the annual Bahraini Women's Day, which falls on December1, he hailed Bahraini women's strides which comply with the constitution, national legislations and international covenants on the basis of equality, social justice and equal opportunities. The Kingdom of Bahrain, he said, takes pride in the status it has attained as a model in respecting women's rights and human dignity and engaging them in the development march led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. He extended 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), on the Bahraini Women's Day. The annual celebration, which falls on December 1, is being held this year under the slogan "Day of Bahraini Women in the Legal and Judicial Field". The minister commended the dedicated efforts of the council, since its inception in 2001, to promote women's political, economic and social empowerment and integrate their needs in development programmes, in line with the National Strategy for Promoting Bahraini Women (2013-2022). Citing revealing statistics, he said that Bahraini women hold 15% of the seats in the upper and lower house, in addition to 10% of the municipal council seats. Al-Romaihi commended women's active contribution to the march of political and constitution reform, whether as members of the National Action Charter (NAC) drafting committee or parliamentary and municipal candidates or voters since 2002. He said that 17 law decrees, laws and legislative amendments and a similar number of ministerial edicts and governmental circulars were issued in the period between 2003 and 2015 to ensure women's rights in social insurance and housing services, achieve their economic and domestic stability and protect them from any discrimination or violence. The rate of women working in the legal and judicial field makes up 9 per cent of the overall workforce in this sector – including 21 judges, one court president, one puisne judge, and a member of the Constitutional Court, in addition to 443 lawyers making up 53% of the overall number of barristers registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The rate of Bahraini women in the overall workforce rose from a mere 5% in 1971 to 36% this year. Bahraini women attained other landmark strides making up 53% of the public sector workforce, compared with 32% in the private sector. The Information Minister hailed the pivotal role of Bahraini women in the information and telecommunication sector by accounting for 30 % of the Information Ministry staff. He also pointed out their remarkable presence in the television and radio by 20% and 50% respectively. He lauded their ability to prove their worth as a director and official in various sectors of the ministry. He also underscored keenness of the national media to project the bright and civilized image of Bahraini women and prevent any attempt to tarnish or degrade it. Al-Romaihi underscored the efforts made to counter discrimination and family violence in accordance with the constitutions as well as religious and civilizational fundamentals, pointing out Bahrain's access to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2002. The Information Minister underlined the outstanding educational, health and social services provided for Bahraini women as well as success of the efforts to raise awareness of the importance of family stability. He pointed out a drop in the divorce rate to 6 % and a decrease in the rate of family violence against women to 0.39 %. He also emphasised keenness to ensure divorced, widow, abandoned and orphan single women enjoy their right to avail of the housing services. He pointed out the key role of Bahraini women in boosting the civil society through 24 non-government women societies, stressing their pioneering role in various sectors. The Information Minister voiced confidence in the ability of Bahraini women to bring about more achievements and further consolidate their status in many areas like the legislative, judicial and administrative fields. He also lauded the Bahraini women's ability to confirm their presence in various regional and international gatherings thanks to the leadership's support.