Bahrain launches national plan to empower women

The National Strategy for the Advancement of Women launched by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa coincided with the International Women's Day celebrations. The strategy, written by the Supreme Council for Women, aims to raise the political awareness among women and encourage state bodies to give them a chance in decision-making, King Hamad said in his national address, which was broadcast live during the launching ceremony. "The plan also includes the introduction of a new family law that would ensure equality and justice under the tolerant Sharia principles," Hamad said.
The king said Bahraini women have been given "political rights" under the reform process, adding, "It is time now they hold senior administrative posts in state bodies."
Many women ran for national and local elections in 2002 for the first time in Bahrain's history. However, they failed to make it to the elected councils.
Later, the king appointed six women to the Shura Council, the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Two more women were appointed ministers - Nada Hafadh was appointed health minister, and Fatima Al Buloushi social affairs minister.
Women groups have also been lobbying for a new personal status law that will replace the current system which gives the Sharia judges power to decide family cases such as divorce, child custody and inheritance. The groups claim that judges of both the Sharia courts, the Sunni and Jaafari, are "biased".