Manama: The Supreme Council for Women (SCW), under the leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, has introduced the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women for the years 2025-2026.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the initiative outlines four priority focus areas: family stability, decision making, economic participation, and quality of life. Each area is supported by initiatives spanning five dimensions: policies, gender-responsive budgeting, awareness and training, auditing and oversight, and monitoring and evaluation.
The plan builds on national principles and frameworks like the Royal Decree establishing the SCW and its association with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. It draws from the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women and past national plans, as well as insights from the evaluation of the 2013-2022 plan.
Moreover, the plan aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, Vision 2050, and the National Gender Balance Model. It also incorporates international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on gender equality and reducing inequality.
The plan aims to sustain and enhance the progress made by Bahraini women in leadership and decision-making roles. It emphasizes women's participation in national development through supportive policies, capacity building, gender balance, and equal opportunities.
A scientific methodology supports the plan's evaluation of the current status of Bahraini women, using official data and key performance indicators to measure progress. This approach helps in setting future goals and developing strategies to maintain achievements.
Bahraini women have made significant strides, with increased presence in sectors such as health, housing, tourism, and youth. They have also taken on leadership roles in the legislative authority and municipal councils, reflecting societal awareness of women's importance in public affairs.
In political participation, Bahraini women held eight seats in the Council of Representatives in 2023 and ten in the Shura Council. Women also filled seats in municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board. Professionally, Bahraini women represented a majority in sectors like healthcare and academia.
The plan seeks to address gaps in women's participation and promote family stability through legislative development, social protection policies, and legal awareness. It also emphasizes women's roles in family and society while preserving national values and identity.
Efforts are focused on emerging fields like technology and digital transformation, aiming for equal opportunities and legal safeguards to balance family and professional roles. Environmental well-being and climate change awareness are also prioritized.
The plan establishes a framework defining stakeholder roles, ensuring shared national responsibility for women's empowerment. It emphasizes increasing women's economic participation in modern sectors, positioning them as key drivers in economic development.
Family stability is highlighted as a core priority, reflecting the SCW's belief in women's roles in nation-building and societal cohesion. The Council is committed to safeguarding women's achievements and strengthening their representation in various domains.
Initiatives under the plan will support women's access to corporate boards, enhance policies, and provide training for leadership roles. The focus on economic participation includes promoting women's roles in emerging technological sectors.
Quality of life initiatives aim to promote healthy lifestyles and workplace safety, supporting Bahrain's progress in women's health and safety. The SCW's strategic partnerships will continue to support institutional progress for women.
Beyond 2026, the SCW's focus will shift towards achieving distinguished leadership for Bahraini women, building on years of empowerment efforts and aligning with the Council's mandate to achieve significant local and international achievements.