IMPORTANT achievements by Bahraini women were the focus of a workshop organised by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in co-operation with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House).
A number of stakeholders, academics and entrepreneurs took part in the two-day event, titled ‘Professional and Academic Diversity and their Role in Empowering Women in the Kingdom of Bahrain’, which ended yesterday at the centre’s headquarters in Awali.
Opening the workshop, Derasat executive director Dr Hamad Al Abdulla said: “Bahraini women have made remarkable strides in various sectors, as their contributions constitute an integral part of the development and prosperity of the nation, with such accomplishments attributed to the support and royal confidence of His Majesty King Hamad, the first supporter of Bahraini women in empowerment initiatives.
“In Bahrain, the roots of institutionalising women’s empowerment can be traced back to the National Action Charter, in addition to the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King,” he added.
Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House director Dr Sanam Vakil noted that while women have historically been underappreciated in their roles as vital economic, social and familial contributors across the Middle East, there is now a growing recognition of their importance.
The workshop featured discussions on several key topics, including entrepreneurship and economic opportunities, societal norms and family life, as well as the role of women in arts and culture.
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