Manama: Lulwa bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), has praised the collaborative efforts of various government and official entities in implementing initiatives under the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025-2026), with a significant focus on supporting women of determination and those caring for persons of determination.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Awadhi highlighted that these initiatives demonstrate the SCW's dedication to executing the national plan through strengthened coordination and partnerships. The aim is to provide inclusive services that cater to the diverse needs of Bahraini women. The National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) has confirmed the availability of tax exemptions and benefits for importing assistive and rehabilitation equipment for persons of determination, along with existing legislation offering VAT exemptions for eligible equipment and supplies. A zero percent VAT rate is applied to basic and preventive healthcare services, approved medicines and medical equipment, educational services, and related goods and services.
Al Awadhi emphasized that these measures are designed to alleviate financial burdens on beneficiaries, including women of determination, when accessing vital healthcare, education, and approved rehabilitation and medical equipment. Additional efforts by the Ministry of Health have been made to expedite the issuance of disability assessment reports through government hospitals and electronic services, thereby enhancing access to services and care-related entitlements.
Furthermore, Al Awadhi pointed out the cooperation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs in implementing initiatives to improve access to sports and youth facilities. These initiatives include utilizing facilities at Muharraq Model Youth Centre and Hamad Town Model Youth Centre, which are suitably equipped to cater to the needs of persons of determination.
She noted that these initiatives originated from a consultative meeting organized by the SCW in August 2024, which included representatives from civil society organizations specializing in disability-related issues. The meeting focused on reviewing priorities and proposals to strengthen national support mechanisms for women of determination and those caring for persons of determination, fostering coordinated efforts among the relevant entities.