Bahrain : Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani commended the accomplishments of Bahraini women at various levels.
He noted the support they received under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the government headed by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
He praised the efforts exerted by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, to promote the advancement of Bahraini women, facilitate their success, work to achieve their aspirations, and support their constructive role in the comprehensive development process.
He expressed his sincere congratulations to Bahraini women on the occasion of celebrating Bahraini Women’s Day, which falls on the first of December every year.
He said Bahraini women have consolidated their presence various fields and positions, and have always performed at the highest level to the responsibilities and tasks entrusted to them.
He noted their presence in the diplomatic field, excelling in the highest positions, where our diplomatic history bears witness to the success of Bahraini women at the international level.
He cited Shikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa was elected President at the United Nations General Assembly from 2006 to 2007 as the first Arab Muslim woman to occupy this position.
He noted in this regard that the achievements of female diplomats continued in various fields, as women held the highest positions, and diplomatic women represented the Kingdom as ambassadors to the French Republic, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Kingdom of Thailand.
He also pointed out that women occupy many diplomatic and administrative positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s missions abroad, as well as in regional and international organizations, in addition to Bahraini female diplomats assuming senior positions in the ministry as heads of vital sectors.
The Minister said that Bahrain celebrates this year the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, whose initiatives and constant follow-up had a significant impact on Bahraini women and their progress.
He noted that the ministry, based on the directives of the Supreme Council for Women, and guided by the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women and the National Gender Balance Model, and its principles based on supporting gender balance in various fields, are in the process of launching an integrated plan for gender balance.
He also said that the ministry’s plan for gender balance aims to support the role of women at all levels, and includes supporting equal opportunities in employment and promotions, stressing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims, through this strategy to increase the presence of Bahraini diplomatic women in Bahrain’s missions abroad.
“This plan aims to activate the pivotal role of diplomats’ spouses in supporting Bahraini diplomacy abroad”, said the minister, pointing out that the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies will, through this strategy, commit to equal opportunities in diplomatic training and offer training programs aimed at developing diplomatic women.
He further affirmed that the gender balance plan seeks to create a positive and safe work environment that supports the ministry’s female employees encourages self-development, and offers means to overcome various obstacles.
