Bahraini state information minister hails women's strides

Bahrain's political will in empowering women and furtherengaging them in the country's development and reform process has been stressedtoday. State Minister for Information Affairs Samira Ibrahim bin Rajab, the government's official Spokesperson, underlined Bahraini women's presence in allareas and their ability to compete with men within the framework of socialpartnership.The minister was speaking as she addressed today a function in London themed "theLeading Role of Women in Politics and Business". She praised the UK for hosting the event which, she said, reflects the spirit of dialogue and consultation as well asgrowing global awareness of the key role played by women in political, economicand social fields."This role is no less important than man's. It is sometimes even more importantthanks to the qualities of defiance and resistance characterising women in the Araband Islamic societies where the man's role usually dominates," she stressed. Shehighlighted Bahraini women's experience and their influential role throughouthistory in decision-making as well as their leadership capabilities in various fields."Bahraini women are lucky to have a supporting political will to their role as theyare considered an integral part of the Arab and Islamic society," the minister said,pointing out the Bahraini women's inalienable rights guaranteed by theconstitution. She also underscored Bahrain's accession to international agreementsand covenants on protecting human rights, dignity and freedom withoutdiscrimination. She described the National Strategy for the Empowerment ofBahraini Women, which was launched on March 8, 2005 and approved by His Majestythe King, as a breakthrough to boost women's role as a "competent partner in thebuilding of the state and its development".She pointed out the Bahraini model of integrating women's needs in development which was approved in November 2010 and per which 19 equal opportunity unitswere set up in the public and private sectors. Moreover, she mentioned the creationof an Equal Opportunities Committee in government bodies in charge of workingout criteria and providing consultations to ensure integration of women's needs inthe government's policies and assess employment opportunities.She commended the political will to empower women so that they could exercisetheir rights in society. She paid tribute to strong-willed ambitious Bahraini women who hold top executive, legislative and judicial positions and sit on internationalcommittees and organizations. "Bahrain has become the first Arab country to appoint a woman as Minister of Statefor Information Affairs and Government's Official Spokesperson", she said, payinghomage to the political leadership for entrusting women.Citing updated figures, she said that women now make 19 percent of NationalAssembly seats, in addition to five undersecretaries, 8 assistant undersecretaries,while 17 others hold key judicial positions.The minister stressed women's active role in civil society institutions, pointing outthat they make up 22% of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)members, while four others sit on the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR).Bahrain women have also achieved landmark strides making up an average 35% ofthe national workforce – 47% in the private sector and 30% in the private sectors."Bahrain women now own 88 companies specialized in art, cinema, TV , radio andtheatre production and distribution", she said, while 134 others are in charge ofmagazines and newsletters issued in Bahrain.The minister hailed Bahrain women's growing clout, competing in all sectors, including traditionally male-only fields.She said that the mere use of "empowerment" has become outdated and derogatoryfor its negative connotation, as it does not acknowledged Bahraini women'slandmark strides", she said. She deplored the fact that periodic reports on genderdevelopment indices fail to reflect Bahrain's strides in promoting women's rightsand standing as key partners on par with women. The ministry denied anydiscrimination against women in Bahrain, pointing out the flagrant salarydiscrepancies between men and women which may reach 20% in certain establishedWestern democracies. She pointed out that efforts would continue to address any loopholes regarding women's status, as part of the reform project led by HisMajesty King Hamad as well as the efforts undertaken by the Supreme Council forWomen along with its partners.