16 hours ago
Shura Council Leads Reform
TDT | Manama
Bahrain's Shura Council is gaining international recognition as a model of modern governance, combining digital innovation with gender inclusion.
On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Council marked its dual achievements by placing 13th globally in digital maturity and raising women's leadership to 42 percent within its Secretariat, underscoring a reform path praised at home and abroad.
Reform in motion
Led by Secretary-General H.E. Kareema Mohammed AlAbbasi, the Shura's General Secretariat highlighted the Council's embrace of both technological excellence and institutional inclusion.
AlAbbasi called the Council's digital transformation and commitment to gender equality a reflection of Bahrain's broader reform project under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Council's digital leadership was confirmed by the 2024 Global e-Parliament Report issued by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which placed Bahrain's Shura 13th globally and first in the Arab world for digital maturity.
The recognition reflects years of work to modernise legislative infrastructure, boost virtual participation, and streamline institutional transparency.
Women at the forefront
At the same time, the Council celebrated its growing female presence. Shura members including H.E. Dr. Fatema Abduljabbar Alkooheji, H.E. Sabeeka Khalifa Alfadhala, H.E. Dalal Jasim Alzayed, Lina Habib Qassem, and H.E. Dr. Jameela Mohamed Redha Alsalman spoke about the national strides made in institutionalising gender balance.
Women now lead multiple standing committees and take active roles in legislation, oversight, and parliamentary diplomacy.
H.E. Dr. Jehad Abdulla Alfadhel, Second Deputy Speaker, described Bahrain's legislative chamber as a platform for national dialogue and equal participation, where women's representation in policymaking demonstrates both constitutional values and global competitiveness.
Global model recognised
Council member H.E. Nancy Dinah Elly Khedouri emphasised the impact of Bahraini women in international forums, noting their presence in regional and global parliamentary events as proof of Bahrain's commitment to equality and inclusion.
H.E. Leena Habib Kassim, Chair of the Women and Children's Affairs Committee, echoed that sentiment, calling the Council an institutional expression of trust in women's leadership.
In line with this year's global theme, 'Achieving Gender Equality: Step by Step', the Shura Council used the occasion to spotlight its efforts as part of Bahrain's national reform narrative.
