We recently celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the Supreme Council for Women, which is one of the wise visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of the country. Where this entity came as a qualitative initiative aimed at consolidating the active presence of Bahraini women in society, through an institutional framework that supports its career, and enhances its participation in various sectors, in a manner befitting its ancient history and its continuous giving.
Bahraini women were never far from the path of national action, but rather had a pivotal role in building the modern state, as they participated effectively in various fields, especially education, as she was one of the first women in the region to investigate regular schools. Soon, she became a teacher, doctor and educator for generations, and she contributed to the development of the education, health care and social work system, and has proven its worth at a local and regional level.
This pioneering march was reflected on the ground through witnessed achievements; Where Bahraini women assumed high ministerial positions, emerged in the judicial and diplomatic corps, and led leadership responsibilities, including the presidency of the House of Representatives, which is an advanced and unprecedented step at the level of the Gulf states. She was also strongly present in the private sector, through the leadership of companies and institutions, and contributing to economic decision -making, as well as its active roles in civil society institutions and volunteer work, which made it a real partner in the comprehensive development process.
Among the most prominent stations in this distinguished march, comes the leadership role of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty the Great King, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Women, whose continuous support and strategic vision constituted a strong basis for women’s empowerment. Under her leadership, she launched a number of programs and initiatives that included various aspects of women’s life, and contributed to paving the way for her to assume leadership positions in the state and the private sector, up to the membership and presidency of Parliament, in an experience that reflects the depth of political maturity in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The impact of this empowerment was not limited to the local level, but rather exceeded the international scene, with the launch of the Princess Speculation International Prize for Women, which was approved within the United Nations system, in a move that confirms Bahrain’s leadership and advanced experience in the field of women’s empowerment, and is an example to be followed worldwide.
Bahraini women are entitled to be proud of the achievements that have been achieved, and to look at the future with a positive spirit full of hope and ambition. The conscious political will and qualitative support from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika contributed to the consolidation of the position of Bahraini women as a symbol of excellence and success in various forums, locally, regionally and internationally.
