Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, commended the significant contributions of Bahraini women and their role as active partners in advancing the country's cultural, developmental, and diplomatic achievements.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized this progress as a result of the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He extended congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and to all women in the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of Bahraini Women's Day. Celebrated under the theme "Bahraini Women: Distinction - Creativity - Innovation," Dr. Al Zayani acknowledged Bahraini women's longstanding achievements in education, knowledge, and innovation, as well as their constructive role in national development and modernization.
He praised the SCW for its programmes and initiatives that support women's leadership and effective participation across political, economic, and social domains. The Council's efforts in preparing women for senior leadership and executive roles were noted, along with its work in integrating women's needs into government planning and national development. This is supported by a modern constitutional and legal framework aligned with international human rights standards, including Bahrain's accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Dr. Al Zayani expressed appreciation for the key role of Bahraini women in diplomacy since the 1970s and their contributions to decision-making and institutional development within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bahrain's diplomatic and consular missions. Women now represent 37% of ministry employees and 38% of the diplomatic corps. The ministry's commitment, through the Equal Opportunities Committee and in cooperation with the SCW, supports women's advancement and their assumption of various administrative and diplomatic posts, with women comprising half of the graduates from the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies.
He expressed pride that this national occasion coincides with Bahrain's hosting of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, reflecting international recognition of the Kingdom's diplomatic approach under the leadership of His Majesty the King. This recognition includes Bahrain's election for the second time as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026-2027, its membership in the Executive Board of UN Women for 2026-2028, and the launch of the third edition of the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women Empowerment, among other international achievements.
He emphasized that Bahraini Women's Day is a prestigious occasion in which Bahrain renews its appreciation for women's efforts and their role in the nation's development. The Kingdom's pride in the international and regional standing women have achieved as key partners in building peace, promoting tolerance and coexistence, protecting human rights, and supporting sustainable development was highlighted, aligning with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, the National Human Rights Plan, and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.