Regional and international recognition for HRH Princess Sabeeka Global Award for Women Empowerment
Doha, Nov. 22 (BNA): A briefing event organised by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), in partnership with UN Women, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, received broad regional and international recognition for the third edition of the HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women Empowerment. Participants highlighted the award’s role as a distinguished global model in promoting gender equality and advancing women’s empowerment.
Officials from GCC states and other countries commended the award for encouraging institutions worldwide to adopt equal-opportunity principles and gender balance, and for showcasing initiatives that strengthen women’s social and economic participation. They noted that the award has become a global platform for best practices within sustainable development efforts and that its impact now extends broadly including across non-Arabic-speaking countries.
Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary General of the SCW, said the third global edition, adopted by UN Women in March 2025, is overseen by an independent international jury. She noted that the global award builds on the national version, which has significantly advanced Bahraini women’s participation in decision-making, political life, economic activity, and social development, contributing to Bahrain’s strong performance in international indicators.
The First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, commended Bahrain’s leadership in launching the award, calling it a symbol of inclusion, equality, and opportunity that supports global sustainable development. She emphasised Pakistan’s appreciation for Bahrain’s initiative and its impact worldwide.
Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States and member of the international jury, said the award strengthens global efforts in women’s empowerment across development, environmental, and economic areas, and supports impactful initiatives from public, private, and civil society entities and individuals.
Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al Khalil, Secretary General of the Family Affairs Council of Saudi Arabia, lauded the award’s role in promoting women’s leadership, capacity-building, and representation internationally, adding that Saudi institutions have been encouraged to apply to showcase successful national efforts.
Nasser bin Bakar Al Qahtani, CEO of AGFUND, commended the SCW’s long-standing work and said the global award reflects Bahrain’s pioneering role in empowering women.
Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs of Nigeria, described the award as a globally relevant initiative that recognises contributions from all sectors and supports economic empowerment for women.
Ira Menichini, Indonesian lawyer and member of Business and Professional Women Indonesia (BPW Indonesia), expressed interest in applying for the third edition, noting its potential to advance her work supporting Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East.
