Remembering Shaikha Lulwa

The Kingdom of Bahrain on Monday mourned the loss of a pioneer woman who had accomplished milestone achievements in the fields of voluntary and charity work and women’s rights for the people of Bahrain..

Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa passed away on Monday, leaving scores of people recalling her endless contributions to Bahraini women’s rights and voluntary works in the Kingdom.

In a statement, the Royal Court paid homage to the deceased, who dedicated her life to serving Bahraini women as well as her society and nation.

“May Allah Almighty rest her soul in eternal peace and give her bereaved family and relatives fortitude,” the Royal Court stated on Monday.

Shaikha Lulwa has carved a niche for herself in the field of philanthropy. In 1953, she formed Bahrain’s first NGO, the Bahrain Children & Mothers Welfare Society.

Since its foundation, the association has encouraged women to take on leadership positions in their communities and has provided assistance to patients, orphans, handicapped, elderly homes and material support to needy families.

As the President, Shaikha Lulwa ensured that women, children and men who helped promote and enhance her humanitarian initiatives were honoured. During her lifetime, Shaikha Lulwa hosted a number of events to raise awareness about the rights of women and children in Bahrain.

In honour of her hard work and perseverance over the span of 50 years, Shaikha Lulwa was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Women.

She was selected for her outstanding efforts in supporting Bahraini women.

For her philanthropic works, she received a prestigious award from the Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

Some Bahraini women in leading positions expressed to DT News their grief on the sad demise of Shaikha Lulwa.

Dr. Hala Al Ansari

“Shaikha Lulwa has inspired an entire generation of Bahrainis to rationally deal with the challenges of life and transform them into opportunities to support Bahraini women’s voluntary work,” Supreme Council of Women (SCW) General Secretary Dr. Hala Al Ansari said.

Dr. Al Ansari recalled the deceased’s huge steps in supporting women’s rights in the Kingdom, mentioning her big role played in introducing the Personal Status Law in the 1980s, despite the social objection and rejection it received back then.

“The late Shaikha Lulwa had a leading position in spearheading women’s voluntary work in Bahrain since the 1950s, and contributing in establishing the Children and Mothers Welfare Society and other voluntary and charity establishments,” Dr. Al Ansari said. The General Secretary also mentioned the deceased’s contribution in the formation of the National Action Charter, adding that her achievements in social, charitable and women’s rights will always be remembered by the next generations.

Roua Al Hayki

“The late Shaikha Lulwa was a great lady who raised the issues of Bahraini women at all levels and her role will always be remembered,” says MP and Chairperson of Woman and Child Committee in Parliament Roua Al Hayki.

“Women followed her footsteps in voluntary work and her demise is a big loss for all of us,” Al Hayki expressed.

She said that Lulwa was a great leader, loving mother and a reliable friend with a very big heart.

Sawsan Taqawi

Shura Council Member and former Chairperson of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee in Shura Council Sawsan Taqawi said that Shaikha Lulwa was a great lady who dedicated her whole life for the welfare and development of Bahraini women.

Taqawi said that she had left indelible imprints in the history of Bahraini women and it will not be possible to fill her gap easily. 

Dr. Hala Sulaibeekh

Board Member and former Chairperson of Bahrain Society for Strategic Planning Dr. Hala Sulaibeekh said that Shaikha Lulwa was an extraordinary lady who was and always will be considered as the role model for the Bahraini women.

“She was a living example of how to be as successful mother, wife and citizen who gave her community a lot to remember her with,” she said. Dr. Sulaibeekh added, “She was the wonderful lady who taught everyone how to overcome the obstacles with a smiling face and hard work. Her works will always be an inspiration for the coming generations.”