Bahraini women have reached the highest leadership positions: Speaker Zainal

Agencies | Washington        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal has highlighted the transition of Bahraini women from empowerment and advancement to progress in all fields, thanks to the unlimited support of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to the motivational environment.

She was speaking in an open debate hosted by Wilson Center on Washington which was attended by US politicians and researchers. Zainal indicated that Bahraini women have achieved an increasing presence in the legislative branch and they now represent 19% of the members in the Shura and Representatives Council, including the first woman to woman to hold the position of Speaker through an open and transparent electoral process.

The advanced institutional structure and legislation has consolidated the principles of justice, competitiveness and equal opportunities for all, which culminated in Bahraini women reaching the highest leadership positions, she said.

Women’s contributions to the development process as well as their active role in making crucial national decisions date back to the 1930s when they participated in the municipal elections. They also had an influential role in the early 1970s in asserting the Arab identity of Bahrain as witnessed by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, she added.

Zainal touched on the qualitative efforts led by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, through a wide drive that coincided with the launch by HM the King of the comprehensive development process, an active field presence led by HRH, and creative initiatives.

“All of them formed a fertile environment, through which the aspirations of Bahraini women grew until they became a cornerstone of the development process in Bahrain, while their influential presence constituted a milestone in the democratic progress in the Kingdom,” she said.

One of the important lessons learned is the foresight of HRH Princess Sabeeka who refused the idea of quota as a basis system for women to enter the political fray and stressed the need for women to rely on their own capabilities to win the honor of serving the nation, she said.

Such attitudes have stimulated women to build on their strengths, enhance their capabilities, and confirm their aptitudes to achieve progress and success.