
SCW and IPA sign MoU
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deliver specialised training programmes aligned with the Council's goals on gender balance, women's integration, and equal opportunities. The agreement also covers collaboration in leadership development, data sharing, joint research, consulting, awareness events, and support for the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025 – 2026).
A joint working team will oversee implementation, evaluate outcomes, and submit annual progress reports.
BNA(R)
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Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
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Empowering Women in Decision-Making The second main area focuses on increasing women's participation in decision-making roles. The Council is committed to promoting equal opportunities and gender balance to empower Bahraini women fully. The goal is to raise the number of women in leadership positions across various sectors, allowing them to contribute effectively to the country's development. The Council has developed innovative approaches to address women's and families' issues, recognizing that true progress for women depends on a stable family environment. Efforts aim to build an integrated system that protects and supports women at every stage of life. A Holistic Vision for Women's Empowerment The Council continues to work toward empowering Bahraini women by integrating their needs into national development programs. This ensures the sustainability of family stability and strong family bonds, which are essential to Bahrain's social cohesion and prosperity. The Council's work extends beyond serving women alone; it positively impacts their families—the fundamental building block of Bahraini society. Collaboration with partners remains vital to achieving family stability, based on the belief that sustainable community development depends on a balanced partnership between men and women. This partnership ensures women's full participation in development while fulfilling their family roles. The plan includes dedicated resources, policies, and programs to address women's needs and promote gender equality. Promoting Gender Balance in Leadership The Council emphasizes the importance of women's ongoing participation in leadership roles, considering gender balance essential for inclusive decision-making and diverse perspectives. International experience shows that institutions with balanced gender representation tend to be more innovative and effective. 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Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
Social Development Ministry signs unified MoU to coordinate humanitarian support for Bahraini women
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Undersecretary for planning, family reconciliation and alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf; Major General Dr. Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security; Lieutenant-General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, Deputy Minister of Interior; Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development; and Assistant Secretary General for Planning and Charity Resources Development at the RHF, were present. Minister Al Alawi emphasised that the initiative reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW, towards advancing Bahraini women. 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Al Fadhel commended the support of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, for initiatives aimed at furthering the advancement of Bahraini women, particularly within the security and service sectors of the Ministry. He also underlined the importance of coordinating national efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of Bahraini women as part of strengthening social values and contributing to a safe community environment. He highlighted that the Ministry of Interior's signing of the MoU comes in implementation of the Minister's directives to adopt innovative initiatives and projects that contribute to strengthening the societal framework. Lt. Gen. Al Fadhel also referenced the services provided by the Ministry to support Bahraini women in humanitarian situations, including the 'Fael Khair' programme implemented by the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing; family and child protection offices in police directorates across governorates; unified procedural policies for handling related cases; and the role of governorates in providing social and coordination support. He added that this new initiative, which will be launched as part of the MoU and national coordination efforts, forms an organisational foundation and structured approach to responding to the humanitarian needs of Bahraini women, particularly in light of increasing challenges that require collective societal efforts to strengthen and preserve the family unit, thereby enhancing social protection. The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance of community awareness, initiatives that foster national belonging and loyalty, and the role of partnerships between public and private institutions and civil society in addressing challenges, preserving the Bahraini family, and promoting social stability. He also highlighted the contribution of Community Police in enhancing public safety and providing social support across all segments of society. For her part, Dana Khamis Al Zayani. Undersecretary for planning, family reconciliation and alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, affirmed the importance of effective institutional coordination in raising the level of responsiveness to the humanitarian needs of women. She said the signing of the MoU was a meaningful step towards unifying and complementing efforts across the respective mandates of each entity, and for providing more efficient mechanisms to address women's urgent needs and deliver prompt support. The MoU aims to leverage and coordinate national efforts and services offered by ministries and relevant institutions within their remits to provide financial and in-kind support for Bahraini women facing urgent social, economic, or living conditions. BNA(R)


Daily Tribune
27-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Targets Women's Leadership : SCW unveils 2025–2026 national roadmap
TDT | Manama Bahraini women are set to enter a new chapter of national development, focusing on assuming top leadership roles under a newly approved national plan by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) for 2025 and 2026. New roadmap Titled 'Bahraini Women: Empowerment, Progress and Striving for Leadership', the plan was endorsed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW. It identifies four priority areas: family stability, decision-making, economic participation, and quality of life. Each area includes initiatives grouped under five axes: policy, budgeting, awareness and training, auditing, and evaluation. The two-year strategy builds on nearly two decades of institutional efforts to support women and aims to shift the focus from empowerment to leadership in both public and private spheres. From progress to power Unlike previous national strategies that concentrated on inclusion, the new plan signals a transition towards top-level leadership. It promotes women's access to senior roles across sectors, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital transformation. According to the SCW, Bahraini women now constitute 60 percent of the government workforce, with half of them in executive roles. In the private sector, women make up 36 percent of the total workforce and hold 36 percent of executive positions. The number of virtual commercial records owned by women reached 1,220 by 2024, representing 54 percent. Institutional partnership The plan introduces an implementation framework that engages government, private, and civil society sectors. This cooperative structure ensures shared national responsibility for advancing women, with clear roles and coordinated action. Among its goals are increased female participation on corporate boards, greater involvement in civil society leadership, and supportive family policies that allow women to balance personal and professional commitments. Forward strategy To improve quality of life, the plan outlines initiatives related to health, safety, and environmental awareness. It also includes programs to expand women's sports and improve support services in workplaces. By aligning with Bahrain's Vision 2030 and upcoming Vision 2050, the SCW aims to position Bahraini women as key contributors to sustainable development and economic growth.