Family courts: Fast-track litigation sought

Manama : Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa has called for the allocation of an independent building for family courts that consider family and Sharia cases and fast-track litigation procedures.

Princess Sabeeka also highlighted the importance of expediting the issuance of the second part of the Family Provisions Law to ensure more stability for Bahraini families.

She was speaking at the third National Conference for Bahraini Women, held on the sidelines of the Bahraini Women’s Day 2016, under the theme “Bahraini Women in the Legal and Judicial Field” here yesterday.

Commenting on the unwavering support to Bahraini women in various fields, the Princess thanked HM King Hamad’s initiatives. 

“The SCW’s doors are kept open to receive all opinions. There are effective intuitional communication channels at the SCW to receive proposals aimed at enhancing the stability of all family members,” she noted. “This can be done through the Cooperation Committee between the SCW and Women Societies and Committees or other civil society women committees.” 

Stressing the importance of enhancing communication, Princess Sabeeka said it should be through participation in regional and international events or through informing foreign delegations about the Kingdom’s achievements regarding women empowerment in various fields, particularly the services provided for women, family and children.

Bahraini women’s progress 

Addressing the event, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa expressed pride in the achievements of Bahraini women over the past 15 years. Shaikh Khalid also lauded the pioneering accomplishments of the SCW, which is marking its 15th anniversary this 
year.

The Minister asserted that the female affiliates of the legal and judicial field have held the highest posts, and proved their outstanding ability in striking a balance between their professional and family duties. 

 The minister added that women have outperformed men in some cases, noting that the presence of Bahraini women in the legal and judicial field has increased. 

He explained that the majority of registered lawyers are women and that the Bahrain Bar Society, and Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution are led by women. “Women staff represent more than 35pc at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, 15 of whom hold leading posts, and 33pc at the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission.

 According to the SCW Secretary-General, Hala Al-Ansari, the theme of the conference reflects the importance of law in women’s life, being the means through which they get their rights without discrimination.  

Al Ansari said that this year’s National Conference is held 15 years after the first edition, which called for achieving equality and legal protection for women.

 She hailed the remarkable progress of women jurists and their access to leadership positions, explaining that they hold 35pc of top posts at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, 47pc at the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission and 27pc at the Constitutional court.