 MANAMA: Bahraini women were yesterday promised a new deal, with stronger legal rights, better financial prospects and a bigger political say. The pledge came from Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. | Lose the "Her Highness" and "His Highness" crap and we might believe you. |
Bahraini women have earned their place through educational achievement, hard work and a dedication to the nation, she said. Shaikha Sabeeka was speaking at Al Rawdha Palace as she unveiled the highlights of a new national strategy to empower women, describing it as a "monumental step forward". The announcement coincides with Arab Women's Day, which falls today. Bahrain has also taken the chair for the next two years of the Arab Women's Council, Shaikha Sabeeka revealed. A women's summit, bringing together the Arab world's First Ladies, is also planned, she announced at a Press conference, which was also attended by supreme council members. | I'm sure that will be as decisive as any Arab Men's Council. |
Shaikha Sabeeka said Bahrain had acknowledged women's important role by appointing two women ministers, Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh and Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. She said it was now up to men and women to compete in municipal and parliamentary elections next year, to become part of the decision-making process. But Shaikha Sabeeka ruled out an electoral quota system for women, saying it would be discriminatory and unconstitutional. |