Hub for health and happiness

MPs to discuss plan to build women’s sports and social centre for Southern Governorate 

MPs will next Tuesday weigh a proposal to build a women’s sports and social centre in the Southern Governorate, covering the Eighth and Tenth Constituencies in Khalifa City, Jaw, Askar and Al Dur. The planned facility, if given the green light, would offer women a space of their own for exercise, community gatherings and cultural programmes. 

The centre would include a swimming pool, sports halls and an events space for weddings and private functions, all reserved for female use. The proposal comes from MP Lulwa Al Romaihi, backed by four other MPs, who argue that the two constituencies lack such a facility despite a large female population and growing demand. Submission The Services Committee has already reviewed the submission and thrown its weight behind it. 

“This centre would offer women in our constituencies the space and privacy they need to thrive, whether in sport, culture or community life,” MP Al Romaihi said. “It’s a practical step that recognises their role as a pillar of Bahraini society.” She added that the centre would differ from existing youth spaces, where access is often divided between men and women by day of the week. 

This one, she said, would be fully dedicated to women from the outset. Spaces The Bahrain Women Union backed the idea, calling for more such spaces across the country, particularly for housewives and those on lower incomes. The Southern Municipal Council also supported the plan, saying it would help bring women together and give them a platform to develop their skills. 

The General Sports Authority, however, said it had no hand in setting up youth centres. Legal remit It pointed to its legal remit, which is confined to registering, regulating and overseeing sports clubs and associations. 

The Supreme Council for Women said decisions of this sort fall squarely within the government’s domain under the Constitution. The Services Committee concluded that the public interest case was sound and has recommended that Parliament approve the proposal when it comes up for debate on Tuesday