Shura Second Deputy Chairman highlights Bahraini women's progress, calls for stronger regional cooperation

Rabat, Apr. 29 (BNA): Dr. Jihad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Network of Women Parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab World, chaired the network’s meeting on the sidelines of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Rabat.

She highlighted that Bahraini women have made significant progress in legislation, the economy, and society, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. She commended the contributions of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), in advancing women's empowerment.

Dr. Al Fadhel reviewed Bahrain’s experience in women’s development and epmhasised the importance of sharing expertise across Africa and the Arab world. She announced the Shura Council’s readiness to host the network’s first training programme, focusing on the use of technology to enhance the performance of Arab and African women parliamentarians.

Dr. Al Fadhel underlined the challenges women continue to face, particularly legislative, economic, cultural, and social barriers, and called for collective action to enhance legal protections, support economic participation, and combat stereotypes limiting public engagement. She emphasised the need for regional solidarity and proposed launching a legislative empowerment programme for African women parliamentarians.

She also welcomed a proposal to establish an annual award recognising outstanding women parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab world, aiming to encourage excellence and innovation. Dr. Al Fadhel concluded by calling for stronger joint programmes, support for young parliamentarians, and greater integration of women's issues into regional and international agendas.