Jakarta: Bahrain's parliamentary delegation participated in the 12th Session of the Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, held on the sidelines of the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) in Indonesia. MP Jaleela Alawi Sayed Hassan, Chairperson of the Services Committee, emphasized the significant role that Bahraini women play in the legislative process and the nation's development. She credited this advancement to the support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Alawi highlighted the critical contributions of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The SCW is instrumental in promoting women's participation through a comprehensive national strategy and initiatives that encourage innovation and engagement. The conference covered key topics such as reviewing the 10th session's report, the role of women in resolving conflicts, and the protection of Muslim women and children in conflict zones, with a particular focus on Palestine.
Alawi described the conference as a platform for exchanging perspectives and aligning positions on issues impacting women in the Islamic world. This reflects the commitment of Muslim women parliamentarians to addressing challenges facing women, families, and communities across OIC member states. She stressed the importance of enhancing women's roles in decision-making through supportive national policies and legislation, affirming Bahrain's dedication to these objectives through its legislative and parliamentary frameworks.
Addressing the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Alawi emphasized the need for Islamic parliaments to increase political and diplomatic efforts to highlight the ongoing aggression against civilians and the violations faced by women and children. She called for coordinated action in regional and international forums to demand international protection.
Alawi concluded by underscoring the importance of generating actionable recommendations from the conference, fostering effective parliamentary cooperation, and establishing an institutional network to support women's issues in OIC countries. She advocated for clear mechanisms for follow-up and evaluation, as well as the regular convening of future sessions. Alawi expressed Bahrain's legislative authority's readiness to collaborate with parliamentarians from OIC states to advance mutual objectives and elevate the legislative, developmental, and international standing of Muslim women.