Bahrain Calls for Stronger Laws to Boost Women in Politics

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain's voice rang clear at one of the world's most important gatherings on women's political rights. MP Mohammed Al-Rifai, representing the Bahrain Parliamentary Division, used his address at the 2026 Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, Serbia, to call on nations to do more—through laws, policies, and parliamentary cooperation—to bring women fully into political life and decision-making.

Speaking during the fifth session of the conference, held from June 1 to 4 under the theme "Gender-Sensitive Parliaments Promote Societies Free from Stereotypes," Al-Rifai argued that parliaments must go beyond passing laws. They must also use their oversight authority and public influence to reshape how societies think about gender, leadership, and equal representation.

Al-Rifai highlighted the tangible progress Bahrain has made under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Women today actively serve in both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, occupy seats on key committees, and hold leadership positions.

Most notably, Bahrain made history when a woman served as Speaker of the Council of Representatives during the Fifth Legislative Term—a milestone that speaks louder than any policy statement.

He also called on parliaments globally to share knowledge and expertise, stressing that no country needs to solve this challenge alone. Building inclusive legislative institutions, he said, is a shared international responsibility that benefits every society.