SCW Secretary General Highlights Partnerships Supporting Women of Determination

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

Lulwa bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), praised the cooperation of government and official entities in implementing initiatives under the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025–2026), with a particular focus on supporting women of determination and women caring for persons of determination.

Al Awadhi said the initiatives reflect the SCW’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the national plan through effective coordination and partnerships with relevant institutions, ensuring the delivery of inclusive services that address the diverse needs of Bahraini women.

She highlighted the contribution of the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR), which confirmed the availability of tax exemptions and incentives related to the import of assistive and rehabilitation equipment for persons of determination. She noted that current legislation also provides VAT exemptions for eligible equipment and supplies, as well as a zero percent VAT rate on approved healthcare services, medicines, medical equipment, educational services, and related goods and services.

According to Al Awadhi, these measures help ease financial burdens on beneficiaries, including women of determination, by improving access to healthcare, education, rehabilitation services, and essential medical equipment.

She also commended the Ministry of Health for facilitating and accelerating the issuance of disability assessment reports through government hospitals and digital services, enabling beneficiaries to access services and entitlements more efficiently.

Al Awadhi further highlighted the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ role in supporting initiatives that improve access to sports and youth facilities for women of determination and women caring for persons of determination. The initiative includes the use of facilities at Muharraq Model Youth Centre and Hamad Town Model Youth Centre, both equipped to meet the needs of persons of determination.

She noted that these initiatives emerged from a consultative meeting organised by the SCW in August 2024, which brought together representatives of civil society organisations specialising in disability-related issues. The meeting reviewed priorities and proposals aimed at strengthening national support mechanisms through coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders.

Al Awadhi emphasised that continued collaboration between government entities and community organisations remains essential to enhancing services and opportunities for women of determination and their families across the Kingdom.