The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) participated in the United Nations’ 68th session of the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), where the Council was represented by Dr. Fatima Al Balushi, SWC member.

The agenda of the committee meeting discussed a range of topics, including a review of the progress made in implementing the agreed conclusions adopted at the 63rd session in 2019 on social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

It also discussed emerging topics such as artificial Intelligence for advancing gender equality.

Dr. Al Balushi outlined Bahrain’s initiatives, led by the SCW, to bolster legal frameworks, regulations, and policies aimed at eradicating all types of gender discrimination. These efforts focus on creating and implementing strategies to boost women’s involvement in politics and the economy, as well as expanding avenues for women to take on leadership positions across diverse sectors and organisations.

She also highlighted efforts to establish business incubators and capacity building centres to support women entrepreneurs’ projects, and to consolidate social justice and equal opportunities, in line with the Bahraini constitution.

Dr. Al Balushi delivered the speech of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the event. The speech emphasised Bahrain’s continuous support for the advancement and progress of women and enhancing their contributions as active partners in all areas of development. Dr. Al Balushi noted that these efforts came within the framework of a comprehensive national vision, based on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

She added that SCW, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and the President of SCW, is dedicated to upholding family stability and empowering women to contribute competitively to the development process based on equal opportunities and integrating women’s needs This commitment aligns with SCW’s mandate to propose overarching policies aimed at advancing the status of women.

The speech also shed light on Bahrain’s initiatives to empower women economically and promote their involvement in entrepreneurship to achieve enhanced social and economic well-being. Key iniatives include: Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Bahraini Women Empowerment; the award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to encourage productive families; Imtiaz, for young Bahraini entrepreneurs; and  Riyadat Financing Scheme, a programme designed to empower Bahraini Women entrepreneurs to grow their business and reach their full potential and the Bahraini women’s exports initiative.

On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al Balushi participated in an event ogranised by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on closing the gap for women empowerment.

She also participated in an event organised by the Arab League titled “Breaking chains: Women’s Quest for Life in Gaza”.

BNA