Strengthening national plan for ‘gender balance’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Cabinet yesterday approved a memorandum by the Minister of Finance and National Economy on the National Gender Balance Report (2019- 2020) prepared by the Supreme Council for Women.

The report aims to measure the effectiveness and impact of policies and legislation in achieving the national plan for the further advancement of Bahraini women and strengthening the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a centre of international expertise in women’s affairs.

The report revealed that the Kingdom’s overall gender balance index for the years 2019- 2020 increased to 69%, reaching 73% in key areas reviewed.

Institutional performance index reached 65%, with an increase in participation of women in specialised jobs, the legislative authority, commercial activity, and representation in boards of directors and committees.

This was among the memorandums discussed yesterday during the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The Cabinet also approved the following:

1. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding several MoUs and an execution plan between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE, which aims to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

2. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding a request by the Supreme Council for the Environment to join an agreement on the establishment of the Global Green Growth Institute, which aims to promote sustainable development and improve economic, environmental, and social conditions through international partnerships between the public and private sectors.

3. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on pledges related to health and climate change, which are in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s international commitments, and steps towards achieving an active role in climate action and the further development of the national health system.

4. A memorandum by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s tourism strategy (2022-2026).

The strategy aims to highlight the Kingdom’s status as a global tourism centre.

This includes increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP and diversifying tourism through several initiatives and projects.

The strategy intends to enhance tourist attractions, accommodation, and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

5 A memorandum by the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Quality Authority, regarding the annual report of the Education and Training Quality Authority for 2021.

The report outlines the performance of education and training institutions after applying exceptional frameworks for evaluation during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

6. A memorandum on digital policies that aim to enhance e-government services and facilitate their use for business development.

7. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the government’s response to a law proposal submitted by the Shura Council.