Top government officials are backing a campaign to get more Bahraini women into diplomatic and political positions. The Foreign Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Supreme Council for Women, at the ministry premises in Manama yesterday. The event marked "day one" of a partnership dedicated to women's political empowerment, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told the GDN.

He said they would work together to increase the number of female Bahraini ambassadors, or women holding positions in the diplomatic corps, or within the ministry.

The ministry and the council will also work together to back Bahraini women as candidates for positions in international organisations and as representatives of Bahrain at international events.

"The MoU is for ways of working together towards empowering women and raising their representation," said Shaikh Khalid, who signed for the ministry.

"We will be working with them (the council) from day one."

He said the ministry gave "special priority" to Bahraini women representing the country abroad and at home, according to a statement released by the council.

"The Foreign Ministry is exerting efforts to develop the work of women in the diplomatic field," it said. "The Foreign Minister has affirmed its support to the council's efforts to promote women.

Secretary-general Lulwa Al Awadhi signed the MoU on the council's behalf.

The council aims to bolster ties with government organisations to further address issues concerning Bahraini women, Ms Al Awadhi said in the statement.

The MoU stipulates co-operation and co-ordination between the ministry and the council in relation to the representation of Bahraini women at Arab and international events, particularly those related to women's affairs.

It also stipulates support for women candidates for senior positions in international organisations and agencies.

They also agreed to exchange information, expertise, studies and research related to women.

The MoU is part of a string of agreements being signed by the council with ministries and governmental organisations, aimed at bolstering co-operation in implementing national strategies to promote the role of women.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________