Manama: In a significant move to bolster the social protection framework for Bahraini women, the Ministry of Social Development has signed a unified Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF). The agreement aims to consolidate national efforts to aid Bahraini women in humanitarian circumstances.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development; Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary-General of the SCW; Dana Khamis Al Zayani, Undersecretary for planning, family reconciliation, and alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf; Major General Dr. Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security; Lieutenant-General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, Deputy Minister of Interior; Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development; and Assistant Secretary General for Planning and Charity Resources Development at the RHF.
Minister Al Alawi highlighted that the initiative is aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasized the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, in advancing the status of Bahraini women. The MoU builds on existing cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and the SCW, with the aim of creating a coordinated national framework to unify efforts and enhance their impact.
The initiative seeks to clarify roles and responsibilities among participating entities, ensuring the ongoing development of systems and procedures that address the needs of Bahraini women in various situations. Secretary-General Al Awadhi reiterated the importance of this initiative in line with the SCW's mandate and the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, focusing on coordination in emergencies.
Lt. Gen. Al Fadhel praised the support from the Minister of Interior, highlighting the Ministry's initiatives aimed at advancing Bahraini women, particularly in security and service sectors. He emphasized the role of the Ministry's programs, such as "Fael Khair" and family protection offices, in supporting women in humanitarian contexts.
Dana Khamis Al Zayani affirmed the necessity of institutional coordination to enhance responsiveness to women's needs, stating that the MoU represents a significant step toward unified efforts across entities to provide efficient mechanisms for urgent support. The MoU intends to coordinate national efforts to offer financial and in-kind support to Bahraini women facing challenging social, economic, or living conditions.