[Excerpt: "There are no limits to freedom [in Bahrain], but this freedom must be deep-rooted in values of patriotism and love for the nation," the king was quoted as saying by the Bahrain news agency at a meeting with the newly-elected Bahrain Journalists Association. "We encourage freedom and democracy within the legal framework and we personally guarantee them," he said.]
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=155309 Published: 9/3/2005, 09:15 (UAE) Bahrain launches national plan to empower women By Mohammad Almezel, Bureau Chief Manama : 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". Addressing the ceremony yesterday, Shaikha Sabika Al Khalifa, wife of the king, who is also chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, said Bahraini women were aiming at "partnership". "This comes as a result of our belief and conviction that women's cause is a collective concern which demands society's cooperation to achieve a balanced and lasting development," she said. She invited the representatives of official bodies, the private sector and civic society to meet in order to examine and promote women's status in line with the country's national values and international commitments. "We will be meeting to brief you about the most important features of the National Strategy, which we are keen on making it connected to different categories of everyday life to ensure an overall security for women. We will be working hand in hand with our partners to identify means of translating the strategy into an integrated work plan," she told the gathering. "The Supreme Council for Women looks forward to consulting all parties concerned in enforcing the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women to set up an active and well balanced mechanism and a progressive work system," she added. Media asked to promote democratic principles The Bahraini media was appealed to yesterday by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa to promote national unity and democratic principles. "There are no limits to freedom [in Bahrain], but this freedom must be deep-rooted in values of patriotism and love for the nation," the king was quoted as saying by the Bahrain news agency at a meeting with the newly-elected Bahrain Journalists Association. "We encourage freedom and democracy within the legal framework and we personally guarantee them," he said. He said citizens should be kept well informed as they had the right to know. "Trying to hide the truth simply compounds the situation and complicates matters," he explained, adding "genuine reporting based on truth" was the key to solving all social problems. "Open and free dialogue could uphold the truth and consolidate the extended-family spirit." enditem ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Give underprivileged students the materials they need to learn. Bring education to life by funding a specific classroom project. http://us.click.yahoo.com/FHLuJD/_WnJAA/cUmLAA/TySplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> -------------------------- Want to discuss this topic? Head on over to our discussion list, [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------- Brooks Isoldi, editor [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.intellnet.org Post message: [email protected] Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** FAIR USE NOTICE. 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