News Centre
Bahrain participates in side event "Women at the Heart of Development: From Empowerment to Impact" in Doha
The Kingdom of Bahrain participated in the side event "Women at the Heart of Development: From Empowerment to Impact", organised by the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Social Development in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat and the State of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha.
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, delivered a speech underlining the importance of the event and the GCC states’ commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, enhancing their participation in comprehensive national development, and consolidating their presence in decision-making across political, economic, and social domains.
He said that, through the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), Bahrain has launched numerous innovative initiatives and projects designed to promote the advancement of women at both the national and international levels.
The Social Development Minister invited members of the GCC Standing Committee for Women’s Affairs to actively participate in the upcoming side event organised by the SCW, in cooperation with UN Women, which will highlight the third edition of the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment. He reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to maximising the global impact of such initiatives and projects.
On her part, Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Acting Secretary General of the SCW, said that the event represented a practical example of coordination and joint action among GCC member states, reflecting the work of the Standing Committee for Women’s Affairs. She expressed pride in the progress and achievements accomplished by women from the Gulf region across various sectors.
Al Awadhi reviewed Bahrain’s successful experience since the establishment of the SCW, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and under the chairpersonship of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW. She noted that, through the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025–2026), the Council seeks to establish a roadmap to sustain women’s leadership and excellence in promising sectors, while promoting initiatives that balance women’s roles within the family and society, thereby contributing to social stability.
The event also featured the presentation of key experiences, the exchange of expertise in the field of women’s empowerment, and discussions on means to enhance regional and international partnerships that support women’s advancement. It further highlighted successful models while addressing key challenges and opportunities related to women’s participation in education, employment, and decision-making.