Baku: MP Jalila Alawi Al Sayed and Dr. Ali Al Haddad, members of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division delegation, took part in the 13th Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians. The event was held in conjunction with the 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States and related meetings in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan, from June 22 to 25.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Parliamentary Division delegation emphasized Bahrain's progress in promoting women's rights and empowering women to access their rights and entitlements fully. This progress has been achieved under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of the Government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The delegation highlighted initiatives from the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. These initiatives have advanced the status and role of women through national strategic plans. The efforts have enabled Bahraini women to achieve significant national and international accomplishments recognized by international parliamentary associations and unions.
The Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians was noted as a platform for exchanging expertise, views, and coordinating positions on issues relating to women in the Islamic world. The conference aims to strengthen the role of women in addressing national and humanitarian challenges and reflects the commitment of women parliamentarians to key issues affecting women, families, and society.
The delegation mentioned that the conference focused on empowering women to address local and regional conflicts and protect women and children affected by wars and political conflicts, particularly in the Palestinian territories. It also emphasized continued parliamentary coordination within the framework of joint Islamic action.
The delegation asserted that women now hold key positions in decision-making, necessitating continued support for their participation through national policies and legislation. These measures aim to enhance their contribution to social cohesion, national unity, and effective responses to challenges. Bahrain remains committed to supporting women's empowerment through a legislative and parliamentary framework based on equal opportunities and social justice.
The delegation reiterated Bahrain's commitment to cooperation and coordination with women parliamentarians globally to achieve shared objectives and strengthen parliamentary work on women's issues, supporting public interests and women's roles in legislative, development, and international domains.
The Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians included the election of its bureau, a vice-president from the African and Arab groups, and a rapporteur. The agenda was approved, and discussions included the report of the 12th conference bureau and women's capacities in resolving conflicts. The conference also addressed the protection of women and children in conflict areas, with a particular focus on Palestine, and concluded by approving the date and venue for the next conference.