47 years of glory and progress

What a glorious way to greet our 47th National Day. The Kingdom of Bahrain has made political history by electing a woman MP, Fawzia Zainal to the post of Speaker of Parliament. By entrusting to a woman this responsibility to ensure that the path to parliamentarian democracy is always clear and effectively followed, Bahrain has expressed its confidence in its women. Today, the skies of our beloved Bahrain will be coloured with the sparks of celebration as the much-awaited National Day fireworks go off and we shall mark our confidence in the leadership of Bahrain and their vision for the country. If anything, this is the Year for Bahraini women. A record number of six women MPs have been elected to parliament and women have spearheaded the voter lists in the recent elections. The year 2018 also marks 20 years since Bahraini women entered the appointed Shura Council, and 15 years after their access to the elected Representatives Council and municipal councils. Among our youth are bright young girls and daughters of the Nation who are coming into their own and it is heartening that we have a system in place to support their ambitions and dreams, whether through the right education channels or empowerment in the workplace. We should also be very proud that this year the Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chief executive Ausamah Al Absi was honoured by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and presidential adviser Ivanka Trump for playing an instrumental role in the increasing protection of trafficking victims. Bahrain’s National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons has been recognised for its advocacy work that has vastly improved working conditions and also the right to work and freedom for the most vulnerable of the migrant group. By raising the bar on these crucial areas – women’s political participation and the freedom and rights of migrant workers, Bahrain has truly given every resident, whether Bahraini or expatriate, a reason to be proud and cheer the inclusive approach to development that the nation stands for. 2019 is just over the horizon and will bring with it the challenges of adjusting to VAT and to energising the market forces to take forward our march to prosperity. It is indeed encouraging to note that we can count on our Bahraini sisters to match us shoulder-to-shoulder in this exciting task of nation-building.