His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has valued highly the crucial role of Bahraini women and their significant contributions that enriched and enhanced the national action.
HM the King lauded the valuable continuous efforts exerted by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), to follow up on the needs of Bahraini women according to a vision that has consolidated equal partnership between women and men.
Receiving at Al-Sakhir Palace HRH Princess Sabeeka, in the presence of the SCW members in the fifth term, HM the King lauded the key role played by the Council, led by HRH Princess Sabeeka, in strengthening and consolidating the Bahraini women's status and role in society.
HM the King pointed out that the establishment of the SCW as an advisory body with a mandate to follow up on Bahraini women's continuous advancement is a living proof of the kingdom's appreciation of the status of women.
Bahraini women should be confident of their contributions to a nation that has never hesitated to provide them with all opportunities that enhance their participation in the nation's progress, HM the King added.
HM King Hamad praised the Bahraini women's contributions in the legislative, executive and judicial fields, their obtaining of the highest scientific degrees and excellence in various fields, noting that they have also proved their competence and outstanding capabilities in the military field.
HM King Hamad explained that Bahraini women enjoy their full rights, and that the way is paved for them to serve their nation and society, calling upon the relevant institutions to highlight the cultural factors and social values that contributed to the advancement of Bahraini women.
HM the King affirmed unwavering keenness on supporting efforts and initiatives aiming to consolidate and protect Bahraini women's rights and dignity.
In this regard, HM the King approved the SCW's recommendation to provide the opportunity for unmarried, divorced and widows without children under their guardianship, who do not meet the requirements of the Housing Ministry, to benefit from housing services, without the ownership right, and directed to issue the laws that regulate the matter.
HM King Hamad asserted that the rights granted to Bahraini women by the National Action Charter added to their rich record of achievements which had started as early as early as the 1920s when they participated in the municipal elections, stressing that Bahraini women will continue playing their pioneering role which has gained international acclaim.
HRH Princess Sabeeka expressed sincere thanks and deep gratitude to HM the King for his unwavering support to the SCW, out of his conviction that women's participation in the nation-building march is not temporary, but a necessity affirmed by their landmark achievements at the national level.
She asserted that the SCW will continue supporting Bahraini women's participation and advancement in all fields and promote their status as citizens with full rights, in line with the constitutional principles and HM the King's aspirations.
She pledged that the SCW will implement the directives issued by HM the King during the meeting so as to achieve more good results that the Bahraini women deserve.
HRH Princess Sabeeka presented HM the King a copy of a book about the achievements of the SCW in 2014, and in which the SCW's efforts to implement the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahrain Women were highlighted.