15 woman this month | February 2012 | Some of the council’s many objectives have been to empower Bahraini women to assume a greater role in their country's development, promote better awareness of their capabilities, ensure their fair rights are protected and help them tackle problems in all areas. Steps for change Spending most of their first term developing a national strategy for the advancement of women and also identifying their vision and ambitions, today the SCW is not only considered as a women’s rights body, but a ruling factor in the Kingdom’s economical and social advancement. The real action, though, started after the council’s first term. After this time, several economic projects, aiming at training Bahraini women and empowering them , were launched. One of the most important achievements of SCW was the launching of the National Strategy on the Empowerment of Bahraini Women. This strategy aims to legitimise the female role in different fields, including decision making, the economy, civil society, education and training, family, health and the environment. Since then, the council has held events to highlight the achievement of women and introduce them to the society as a means to support qualified Bahraini women. Also under the SCW’s belt is a series of training projects. These have included workshops and seminars, coaching women in job specific disciplines and qualifying them to enter the workforce. The Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa award for the empowerment of Bahraini Women was also established. The first of its kind in the Arab world, the award aims to encourage government and private institutions to provide equal opportunities for reaching decision making positions. In an effort to change the public’s perspective of women, a number of public awareness programmes were also held. A political empowerment programme was initiated by the Council in co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme to train and educate women to join the Kingdom’s political workforce. The Council has its own offices in Riffa, which include a secretariat and a documentation centre, where the council’s research is stored along with an extensive library of publications, studies and data related to women’s affairs. Start of the movement It first started in the year 2000 when the National Action Charter was issued; stipulating that the country would promulgate laws that would defend women and protect families. The establishment of the council a year later confirmed the presence of women and initiated a movement that is still in progress today. Within the following 10 years, the council’s involvement, participation and triumphant efforts moved more women towards academic excellence and important career roles, which may have been limited to men in previous years. The role of the youth It is undeniable that, though women of all ages need to make themselves heard, it is in the hands of the youth that the future cultural mindset rests. The special SCW Shabab council for the youth of both genders has been established, with an aim to encourage the youth of Bahrain to positively participate in the growth of society and to respect each other as allies in bringing about the future they desire for Bahrain. Some of the most important achievements of the youth council include the “I am Bahrain” campaign, aimed to plant the understanding of national unity between Bahraini citizens through holding series of events around the Kingdom. Among their other successful projects were the “We said yes, we will all work” in collaboration with the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, the “We will build your home” project and the “Be Heard” project, which is the biggest suggestion box for youth in the region; opening the door for the Kingdom’s youth to share their thoughts, ideas, identify their problems and obstacles. Women’s day event Celebrating the milestone of its 10th anniversary, as well as the Bahraini Women’s Day, — which was launched four years ago bye Princess Sabeeka — the 45 Entrepreneurs Gallery was held. Aiming to highlight the achievement of Bahraini women, the Women’s Day theme this year was Bahraini women in economic development. Forty-five young businesswomen aged up to 45 took part in the exhibition, showcasing their abilities in several sectors — service, retail and cosmetics, event planning and food and beverages. Among the 45 women this year were Bahraini fashion designer Sima Ahmed, interior designer Ghada Al Sayed, lawyer May Showaiter, graphics designer Shaikha Noora Al Khalifa and photographer Fatma Al Mannai, who have all succeeded in establishing their own businesses and entrepreneurial projects. Though the Council’s successes and achievements for women have been plentiful, there is still a long way to go and they are constantly renewing and reviving their objectives, in order to best suit the changing needs of women in the region. Here are some of the aims for the coming term: Aims of the council l To propose a general policy for the development of Women's Affairs in the institutions of constitutional and civil society. l Enabling women to play their role in public life and to integrate their efforts into development plans without being discriminated against. l To activate the principles contained in the National Action Charter and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain with regard to women and to develop appropriate mechanisms for co-operation with ministries and official institutions and civil society institutions. l Monitor and evaluate the implementation of public policy in the field of women and progress with the Council, including the suggestions and observations to the competent authorities in this regard. l To arrange a submission process for proposals to amend existing legislation relating to women and to facilitate the expression of opinion on draft laws and regulations. l Follow-up enforcement of laws, regulations, resolutions and international conventions related to women to ensure their implementation in order to achieve non-discrimination against women and follow up the implementation of programmes that have been adopted in the plans and government programmes for women. l Participation in committees and official bodies formed by the Government on all matters relating to women's issues directly or indirectly. l Facilitate Bahraini women's representation in international forums and Arab and international organisations concerned with women's issues and to engage them in cooperative agreements and joint programmes. l Establish a documentation centre for the collection of information, data and studies on women and conduct studies and research in this area. l Educate the community role of women and their rights and duties and through the use of appropriate mechanisms. l Publish newsletters, magazines, printed materials and electronic data related to the objectives of the Council and its powers.
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