Wilson Center has hosted Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal in an open debate attended by US politicians and researchers.
The Speaker 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.
The advanced institutional structure and legislation consolidated the principles of justice, competitiveness and equal opportunities for all, which culminated in Bahraini women reaching the highest leadership positions, she said.
The contributions of women 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.
The Speaker 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.
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.
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.
She emphasized that enhancing the role of women was characterized by practical dynamism and that it proceeded from the principles of competitiveness, justice and equal opportunities, made institutional efforts, and moved according to qualitative plans and strategies.
Zainal stressed that Bahrain today boasts of expert institutions that have built impressive reputations, and singled out the Supreme Council for Women (SCW).
The SCW has competent women who have been able to present initiatives that succeeded in enhancing the presence of women in society and making them a role model in the Arab world, she added.
Bahraini women have reached the highest positions based on their competence, character and skills.
The Speaker highlighted her own experience in the parliamentary elections that reflected Bahrain’s open democracy.
Wilson Center officials said that Bahrain’s experience and the various initiatives launched by HRH Princess Sabeeka merit to be studied as a source of inspiration for women both in Bahrain and across the globe.
They noted that participation of women in five legislative terms in the political and parliamentary process, and reaching the position of Speaker and other high positions during a short period reflects the extent of societal awareness and the efforts that have been exerted to achieve remarkable results.
The Bahraini parliamentary delegation is visiting the US on June 12-17.
