Manama: Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), presided over the Council's fifth meeting of its eighth term (2022 - 2025).
According to Bahrain News Agency, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim extended her heartfelt congratulations on the 24th anniversary of the SCW's establishment, highlighting the accomplishments represented by this milestone and applauding the efforts of the Council's members. She expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his steadfast support of the Council since its inception, noting that this continuous royal backing has been fundamental to the SCW's success in implementing programmes and initiatives that enhance the status of Bahraini women and bolster their role in national development.
HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim also expressed appreciation for the Cabinet's congratulations, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, during its recent session, as well as the congratulations extended by members of the Royal Family, senior officials, dignitaries, and the Bahraini people. She remarked that these acknowledgments reflect the seriousness of the SCW's institutional work and the extensive gains achieved by Bahraini women across various sectors of national endeavor.
Further, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim praised the government, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for its ongoing support and collaboration with ministries and state institutions in advancing the SCW's plans in alignment with national priorities. She emphasized that these efforts have strengthened Bahraini women's effective participation in the national economy and improved the quality of services provided to them. Her Royal Highness expressed optimism that the Council will continue pursuing its objectives in partnership with government entities, the private sector, and civil society institutions, to ensure women's stability while upholding the principles of equal opportunity and gender balance.
During the meeting, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim announced that the 2025 Bahraini Women's Day will be celebrated under the theme "Bahraini Women: Distinction, Creativity, Innovation," highlighting women's achievements in innovation and excellence across various development sectors, honoring international and regional awards won by Bahraini women, and documenting their accomplishments and success stories in national development.
HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim stressed that the launch of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025 - 2026), under the theme "From Empowerment and Progress towards Leadership," will serve as the main driver of the SCW's work during this phase, enhancing Bahrain's pioneering model in supporting women, achieving gender balance, and implementing the objectives of the national strategy.
Additionally, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the SCW members for their continued cooperation with the General Secretariat, wishing them success in their work. The Council was briefed by Hala Lulwa Al Awadhi, SCW Secretary General, on the steps taken by the General Secretariat to follow up on the implementation of the national plan, the participation of Council members in specialized committees, and the Council's collaboration with several international organizations through the signing and renewal of memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening the progress and international standing of Bahraini women.
The SCW also approved organizational measures taken by the General Secretariat regarding equal opportunity committees in government entities and was informed about procedures related to the establishment of a Women in Sports Committee. The meeting's agenda included reports and updates on measures undertaken by the General Secretariat over the past period.