Manama: The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) marks the silver jubilee of its establishment on August 22, 2001, highlighting the achievements of Bahraini women and the progress made under the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The King has placed Bahraini citizens at the heart of development and ensured an environment that enabled women to effectively fulfil their national role.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the occasion coincides with the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, commemorating His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies, and affirming the continuity of the national approach to institution-building. It also aligns with Bahrain's preparations to celebrate Bahrain Women's Day 2026, under the patronage of His Majesty the King, with the slogan "25 years at the heart of the reform project."
Lulwa bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary-General of the SCW, emphasized that the SCW's anniversary represents a significant national milestone, celebrating 25 years of achievements under the reform project of His Majesty the King. She stated that the position reached by Bahraini women today results from the royal vision that made women's empowerment a key pillar of comprehensive development.
The SCW was established on August 22, 2001, under Amiri Order (44) of 2001 and was aimed at consolidating His Majesty the King's vision for women's empowerment. This included the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, approved by His Majesty the King in 2005, which was developed on solid foundations.
Al Awadhi noted that the leadership of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim marked a significant phase in the SCW's journey, leading its institutional work with an integrated strategic vision and establishing a sustainable national approach to women's empowerment. This contributed to Bahrain's position as a leading model in supporting women and integrating their needs into national development.
Over 25 years, the SCW succeeded in consolidating a culture of equal opportunities and translating women's empowerment into national policies and programmes. The SCW's impact was evident in establishing a system that opened wider opportunities for Bahraini women, strengthening their presence in public life and enhancing their ability to achieve tangible results.
Al Awadhi added that the SCW ensures its programmes and initiatives remain linked to current needs and future requirements by supporting qualification and capacity-building programmes. She expressed her aspiration for a new phase of achievements in which the SCW continues its national role in strengthening the gains of Bahraini women.
Since its establishment in 2001, the SCW has constituted one of the key pillars of His Majesty the King's development process, aiming to empower Bahraini women and strengthen their presence across various fields. Throughout its journey, the SCW has established an institutional approach based on planning, follow-up, and impact assessment.
The SCW has played a pivotal role in strengthening women's presence in decision-making positions, with increased participation in executive and legislative branches, the judiciary, and diplomatic corps. Women's presence has also increased in the private sector, affirming their ability to compete and innovate.
In economics, the SCW launched initiatives supporting working women and businesswomen, promoting equal opportunities and enhancing the capabilities of national female cadres. The SCW has also attached importance to the Bahraini family through gender balance initiatives, family stability programmes, and community awareness.
Twenty-five years after its establishment, the SCW reaffirms Bahrain's commitment to a brighter future based on investment in people and the consolidation of justice, equal opportunities, and sustainable development. The silver jubilee marks a new phase of national work, reaffirming continued royal support for Bahraini women and HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim's commitment to developing the SCW's journey.
Bahraini women will remain key partners in the comprehensive development process, contributing to achieving Bahrain's vision and aspirations in the coming decades.