Dr. Al-Fadhel Highlights Bahrain’s Food Security and Gender Equality Efforts at FAO Session

Dr. Jihad Abdullah Al-Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council, took part in a high-level consultative session organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop an international guide on gender equality in food and agricultural systems. The session comes within the framework of a UN General Assembly resolution recognizing parliaments as key actors in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, and in promoting food systems that ensure food security and nutrition for all.

During the consultative session, which brought together numerous parliamentarians and senior FAO officials, Dr. Al-Fadhel presented Bahrain’s comprehensive legislative and executive efforts to build an integrated food security system that guarantees the sustainable availability of food and nutrition for all citizens.

The FAO commended the Shura Council’s active participation, represented by Dr. Al-Fadhel, praising her detailed and insightful presentation on the joint efforts of Bahrain’s legislative and executive branches to establish a sustainable and resilient food security framework. The organization noted that Bahrain’s proactive progress—supported by tangible examples and evidence—positions the Kingdom as a leading model in promoting food security and empowering women within food and agricultural systems globally.

Dr. Al-Fadhel emphasized that, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support and guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has moved beyond achieving gender equality at the constitutional and legal levels to realizing it in practice. She affirmed that Bahraini women today are not only partners in development but leaders across diverse fields—from politics and economics to education and innovation.