Manama: In a significant move to bolster the role of women in national development, the Shura Council and the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) have signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed by Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, and Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairwoman of the SCW.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreement is designed to enhance coordination in advancing women's affairs within constitutional and civil institutions. It seeks to support women's roles in public life and ensure their integration into comprehensive development efforts, further building on existing cooperation through the Gender Balance Committee and other legal frameworks.
Al Saleh noted that this agreement is a pivotal step in strengthening institutional cooperation and joint efforts to develop policies and legislation that promote active participation of Bahraini women across all sectors. He stated that this aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of partnership with the SCW and commended its leadership under Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, in promoting women's empowerment and integrating their needs into national development.
He further stated that the Shura Council prioritizes national goals for women's progress, recognizing their key role in national development. The Council remains committed to supporting initiatives and legislation that uphold women's rights, safeguard achievements, and enhance their role in decision-making processes.
Dr. Shaikha Maryam bint Hassan Al Khalifa described the agreement as a milestone in institutional cooperation, aiming to reinforce national partnership in supporting the advancement of Bahraini women and strengthening their presence in national arenas, especially within the legislative sphere. She mentioned that the cooperation reflects the vision and guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who champions integrated national efforts to empower women as equal and active partners in development and policy-making.
The agreement provides for the formation of specialized committees by each side to monitor the implementation of the national gender balance model. These committees will work towards establishing the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks to integrate women's needs, using tools and mechanisms available within each party's competencies, in line with the principle of equal opportunities and gender balance.
Furthermore, the agreement enables the Shura Council to invite SCW representatives to attend meetings of its permanent and ad hoc committees for input on draft laws and legislative proposals related to women's affairs. It also aims to enhance cooperation on delegations and participation in conferences and forums at various levels concerning women's issues, contributing to the promotion of Bahrain's parliamentary experience in supporting women's involvement in comprehensive national development. Additionally, it includes cooperation in organizing joint activities, exchanging information, statistics, and expertise, and conducting research and studies related to legislative proposals concerning women's affairs.