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), stated that Bahraini Women's Day has become a significant annual event, consistently supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH Princess Sabeeka expressed her gratitude for the unwavering royal support, which has been instrumental in the progress of Bahraini women, alongside the backing of the Government under His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This support has facilitated opportunities for institutional development, progress, and leadership for Bahraini women.
According to Bahrain News Agency, in her address during the 2025 Bahraini Women's Day celebration, themed "Bahraini Women: Distinction, Creativity, Innovation", HRH Princess Sabeeka highlighted the occasion's importance, coinciding with Bahrain hosting the Gulf Cooperation Council leaders for the 46th GCC Summit and the national celebrations for Accession Day and Bahrain's National Day. Her Royal Highness emphasized that these events underscore national values and reflect the country's confidence in its citizens, both men and women, reaffirming the nation's commitment to its development.
HRH Princess Sabeeka noted that the Kingdom acknowledges the achievements of its women in areas of distinction, creativity, and innovation, recognizing the regional and international awards they have received due to their leadership. She underlined the significance of institutional support, which fosters women's participation in various domains, and the political will that opens extensive opportunities recognizing women's competence. This approach reflects the SCW's efforts and the directives of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025-2026), embodying the Council's vision for leadership and sustainability.
Her Royal Highness added that as the SCW marks its silver jubilee, it enters a new phase of institutional work since 2001. She stressed the importance of maintaining national duties, engaging in comprehensive development programs, and collaborating with partners to execute the Council's strategy and national plans aligning with Bahrain's Vision 2050. HRH Princess Sabeeka emphasized preserving the qualitative achievements of women at the national level while advancing and adapting to modern technological developments.
HRH Princess Sabeeka concluded by commending Bahraini women for balancing family and community responsibilities with their achievements, acknowledging their ongoing societal contributions. She expressed her wishes for Bahrain's continued success and prosperity under its leadership.
A film showcasing the roles of Bahraini women across various sectors and their international achievements was presented during the ceremony. Subsequently, the women honored on this occasion greeted HRH Princess Sabeeka. Awards were presented by Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, and Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi to women who had received regional and international recognition.
Honorees included Amina Abdulmajeed Al Hawaj, awarded for her inventions, Dr. Hayat Abdulla Yusuf for leadership excellence, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Arrayed for research in health promotion, Shaima Shawqi Al Meer for innovation, Aisha Khalid Al Harram for leadership in space, Dr. Mariam Athbi Al Jalahma for health promotion, and Dr Maha Mahmood Al Subaie for scientific excellence. These women were selected by criteria focusing on achievements beyond routine duties, reflecting personal excellence, creativity, and impact beyond Bahrain, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The ceremony also honored institutions supporting Bahraini Women's Day 2025, including Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Bapco Energies, National Bank of Bahrain, and others, recognizing their contributions to the event's success.