Bahraini women empowerment continuity reaffirmed

Manama, Mar. 7 (BNA): Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan congratulated Wife of HM the King and the Supreme Council of Women (SCW)'s President Her Royal Highness Prince Sabeeka bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa on the International Women's Day which coincides with March 8 each year. Minister Humaidan praised the SCW's efforts aimed at the empowerment of women and boosting Bahraini women's economic and political participation. The minister hailed the ongoing reforms led by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government's policy, initiatives and wise decisions presided over by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. The minister said among the key principles of the reforms process is Bahraini women's empowerment embedded in the kingdom's constitution ratified and issued by His Majesty the King in 2002, citing paragraph (5) of (article 1) of the Constitution which ensures equality the between citizens, women and men alike, in public affairs, enjoyment of political rights, including the right to elect and be elected, and paragraph (b) of (article 5) of the constitution which clearly states the State's responsibility in ensuring accord between the duties of a working woman towards her family and her job in the community and women's equality alongside with men in all political, social, cultural, economic and cultural fields. The minister lauded the gains attained by Bahraini women since the comprehensive ongoing reforms have been launched by His Majesty the King and its translation of the National Strategy for Revival of Bahraini Women adopted by the government as a national action plan aimed to ensure the inclusion of women's needs in national development process and that reflects full belief in the role of woman as key partner in national construction and development. Therefore, the ministry has always been keen to pay special heed to qualification and employment of Bahraini women in attractive jobs that are suitable for their familial and social circumstances, in terms of advanced labour legislation, or through updated constructive programmes and projects, the minister explained, adding that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development is working hard to remove any obstacles facing jobseekers to find suitable jobs, hence, the ministry introduced qualification and employment programmes, as well as part-time job scheme, whereby the ministry has succeeded in increasing the percentage of employed Bahraini women to 40% last year alone. The minister asserted the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness on keeping abreast of latest international developments and experiences, benefiting from advanced international expertise, and sharing its efforts with the world community to boost women's protection and empowerment. Therefore, Bahrain had signed several international conventions and agreements in this field, primarily the Convention for Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW joined by the kingdom in 2002. The Minister of Labour and Social Development said the ministry continues its efforts and partnership with all the relevant sides, especially in partnership with Supreme Council of Women, to achieve more women empowerment at all economic and social levels in this prosperous reign of His Majesty the King.