‘Legislative system key factor in empowering women’

Manama : Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Deputy Chairperson Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa noted that the legislative system is a key factor in the empowerment of women and promoting their participation in aspects of public life, considering the evolution of Bahraini women in various legal and judicial fields.

Dr. Shaikha Mariam was appointed by Wife of His Majesty the King and  Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to open the 5th Annual Human Rights Forum at University of Bahrain yesterday. She added that the policies of the SCW contributed to the promotion of fair practices and provide equal opportunities for women.

The forum, which was held at Shaikh Abdulaziz Hall, accompanied an exhibition under the slogan “Women in the Legal and Justice Sphere” in order to show the march of Bahraini women in these two areas. 

The exhibition highlighted achievements of women in various fields as judges, Ministers, presidents of schools and societies, advisors, lawyers and athletes. Besides participants, the members of the Shura Council, judges and those interested in legal affairs also attended the
event. 

The Deputy Chairperson commended the goals of the forum, the topics of discussion and the Organising Committee of UoB students, praising the College of Law graduates at the university not only for organising the forum, but also for selecting the topics. 

During the opening ceremony speech, SCW Secretary General Hala Al Ansari stated that Bahraini women have actively participated in the legal and justice system since 1970s in professions involved in law and legal advising, noting that the number of female Bahraini lawyers is currently 443, which is 53pc of licenced lawyers.

She further stressed in her speech that Kingdom’s clear vision about empowerment of women with the development of legislations and laws ensured the participation of women in all fields. She also noted that the establishment of SCW reinforced the constitutional provisions through policies, strategies and plans and raised the readiness of state institutions to deal with women as full citizens, including the civil duties and rights. These developments were achieved recently following the issuance of Law on protection from domestic violence, referrals to family reconciliation office and speeding up Sharia court cases by giving urgency to family law cases, she added.

UoB President Dr. Riyadh Hamza expressed his deep pride in the patronage of Princess Sabeeka for giving the event new dimensions and wide horizons. He also praised the remarkable achievements of SCW that helps empower Bahraini women. 

Head of the Forum, student Abdullah Saif thanked Princess Sabeeka as well as the organising committee and the university department for holding the annual forum, expressing his hopes that the forum will achieve its objectives.

The opening ceremony presented a live sand-art performance by artist Zahra Al Nasser, which focused on  the role of Bahraini women. A short film highlighting the previous forums was also screened.