Manama: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, underscored that the achievements of Bahraini women across all sectors of national development reflect the continuous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Musallam commended the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, in advancing women's progress and integrating their needs into national plans, projects, initiatives, and programmes across various sectors. He emphasised the Council of Representatives' commitment to programmes and projects dedicated to women, recognising them as key partners in national development and promoting gender equality and opportunity. He highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the Council and SCW, through the Gender Balance Committee and other legal mechanisms, aimed at accelerating institutional integration, advancing legislative frameworks, and supporting women's active participation in the comprehensive development process.
This came during the signing of a cooperation agreement today at the Council of Representatives between Al Musallam and Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Vice Chairperson of SCW. The agreement provides a framework for collaboration on enhancing women's roles in constitutional and civil institutions, empowering their participation in public life, and integrating their contributions into national development programmes.
Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan emphasised the Bahraini society's awareness of women's role as active partners in national development and highlighted that the agreement marks a milestone in strengthening institutional integration, enhancing women's presence and effective participation in all national work sectors. She noted that the agreement reflects the directives of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim and her commitment to consolidating women's achievements.
The agreement also establishes mechanisms for legislative and policy collaboration, ensuring women's needs are integrated into government programmes, promoting gender equality, and involving women in drafting laws and policies. It provides for bilateral cooperation in hosting delegations, participating in local and international conferences, and organising joint events such as workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to enhance women's legal and societal awareness.
The cooperation framework also includes sharing data, studies, and research related to legislative proposals affecting women, ensuring their perspectives are incorporated directly or indirectly in the development of national laws and programmes.