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HM King deputises HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad to attend Bahraini Women’s Day celebration
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a speech marking Bahraini Women’s Day, which reads as follows: “It is with great pleasure and appreciation that we issue this speech on the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, beginning by expressing our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the leader of national women’s empowerment, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Throughout her remarkable journey of impactful achievements, Her Royal Highness has embodied Bahraini women's civilised and honourable image, fulfilling her national responsibilities with dedication and excellence.
On this occasion, we salute all Bahraini women, whom we take pride in for their contributions across all aspects of life, particularly their roles as guardians of motherhood and educators of future generations. This role profoundly impacts the cohesion of the Bahraini family, which we regard as the first line of defence for the stability and growth of society.
In this context, we affirm that Bahraini women’s contributions to national development are not recent but rather a proud story of the nation, highlighting the prominent role of the women of Bahrain. Since the 1920s, they have worked alongside men in reconstruction and modernisation efforts, achieving the peak of their national contributions today and promising further accomplishments.
The persistence and determination Bahraini women display remain constant in the path of renewal and progress in our beloved Kingdom. Their resilience inspires us to continue supporting their efforts and overcoming any challenges they may face.
Since its establishment, the Supreme Council for Women has carried out its mission professionally, providing support and proposing necessary initiatives to ensure women attain their rightful position as worthy partners in nation-building. This has been achieved without neglecting their essential educational role, which we rely on to instil proper values in future generations and contribute to preserving the national identity.
We extend our sincere thanks to Bahraini women, who confidently and steadily achieve success after success, enriching their national experiences and propelling their distinctive contributions towards global recognition in all domains.
We reiterate our sincere thanks and appreciation to Her Royal Highness for her efforts and her continuous dedication to ensuring Bahraini women remain a steadfast source of support and pride, bringing honour to their nation, always and forever.
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
King of the Kingdom of Bahrain”
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM's Personal Representative, to attend the Bahraini Women’s Day celebration organised by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) on December 1, at the Bahrain National Theatre.
In a speech delivered on behalf of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), by Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, SCW member, Her Royal Highness emphasised the continued support Bahraini women have received from His Majesty the King since the launch of Bahraini Women’s Day in 2008. HRH Princess Sabeeka noted the significance of this year’s celebration, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of HM the King’s Accession.
On behalf of Bahraini women, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for his speech, which highlighted the pivotal role of women as worthy partners in nation-building—the theme of this year’s celebration. Her Royal Highness also marked the start of Bahrain’s National Day and Accession Day celebrations by extending her congratulations to all on these significant national occasions.
Her Royal Highness noted that Bahraini women’s early participation in municipal elections in the 1920s and their enrolment in formal education stand as significant milestones, reflecting their achievements and contributions. These milestones, documented in history, highlight women’s active roles and dedication to fulfilling family responsibilities while ambitiously contributing across various sectors of the state. This embodies a genuine partnership in Bahrain’s comprehensive development process that led to the establishment of the SCW.
Her Royal Highness attributed this advancement to the vision and support of His Majesty the King, which enabled women to assume leadership roles and actively participate in politics, decision-making, and public affairs.
HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim affirmed that the council has entered a new phase; strengthening institutional collaboration with government organisations to overcome obstacles in strengthening women’s status and ensuring their rights. Her Royal Highness said: “All thanks and deep appreciation to His Royal Highness, my dear son, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, for his support”.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim expressed pride in recalling the dedicated national efforts that contributed to the launch of Bahrain’s comprehensive development process under the leadership of HM the King. She highlighted the active participation in the National Action Charter that laid the foundation for the institutional work of the SCW, now recognised as a model national mechanism dedicated to women’s affairs.
After 23 years since its establishment, the council has reached an advanced stage, transitioning Bahraini women from empowerment and progress to leadership. Her Royal Highness added that the SCW is entering a transformative phase, aligning with this vision and adhering to its royal mandate, while enhancing its mechanisms and strengthening collaboration with official, private, and civil society institutions.
Her Royal Highness pledged to continue carrying the national responsibility of leading women’s advancement in the Kingdom of Bahrain, guided by His Majesty’s vision and supported by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She added that the upcoming action plan will build on past achievements, align with modern developments, and ensure women remain integral partners in the nation’s progress.
In conclusion, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim extended her pride to every Bahraini woman who has read, learned and participated, earning the respect of the nation, gaining global recognition, and inspiring others with their achievements across various domains. Her Royal Highness expressed her appreciation to the General Secretariat of SCW and its dedicated team for their tireless efforts, wishing for continued success in advancing Bahraini women and the nation’s development.
Following HRH’s remarks, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad inaugurated the "Bahraini Women’s e-Platform," aimed at documenting women leaders in Bahrain. He also honoured key figures who contributed to Bahrain’s comprehensive development process under the leadership of HM the King and supported the SCW’s vision, "Women, Worthy Partners in Nation Building”.
At the start of the event, HH Shaikh Abdullah opened a documentary exhibition in the National Theatre lobby, showcasing the historical contributions of Bahraini women and the SCW’s milestones since its establishment.
Lulwa Al Awadhi, the Secretary General of SCW, presented a copy of the book “Bahraini Women in the Reign of HM King Hamad: 25 Years of Achievements”.
The celebration also featured a cultural performance reflecting the event’s theme, "I Read .. Learned .. Participated", and included a special screening of a film on women in the reign of HM King Hamad.