BWU blazes a new trail for women’s privileges

The Bahrain Women’s Union (BWU) has been fighting since 2006 to pioneer its way to protect and advocate for women’s rights in various spectra of Bahraini society.

Its upcoming events, following in the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of All Violence against Women on November 25, would take them a step closer to their ultimate goal. As part of the events, two activities will be established to target common issues along with other organizations and target youth members of society.

Talking to DT News, a BWU Board Member confirmed that they were trying to focus on recent issues of harassment and violence on women. As part of this, a joint activity with Bahrain Dialogue initiative will take place in a round table dialogue between all the concerns parties.

The proposed themes for the symposium on violence against women in the virtual space are ‘Women’s positive and negative image on the media’, ‘Manipulating means of media and social communication on practices of violence against women’ and ‘Disassociating exposure of women from violence in the virtual space’.

Saba Al Asfoor, the Board Member also confirmed that, “BWU also agreed with the Capital Secretariat on having a Mural Painting event in a prime location in Manama at the end of November to highlight and raise awareness, especially with the participation of many artists of both genders.”

Saba also spoke about the challenges the Union faced in terms of pushing for a developing and empowering movement for women in all fields.

“We sometimes face several challenges since it takes a long process to get an initiative done. Women’s issues and movements are usually not treated with priority in society.”

“We are working to broaden the base of the Union representing a compelling and influential force in the amendment and enactment of laws ensuring women all rights of citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution. The Union carries out studies to provide necessary  financing for member-women societies for the purpose of promoting their resources to enable them to provide aid and consultation studies which enhance their financial resources.”

The BWU Board Members confirmed that the BWU was striving to improve the laws involving Family Law that only incorporates Sunni laws without Shia laws.

Caption : The BWU Board Members

Report by 

Fatima Bastaki/DTNN

fatima@dt.bh