SCW vice president meets Youth Committee Executive Office members

Manama, Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Vice president of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), held a dialogue session with members of the SCW's Youth Committee Executive Office at the council's headquarters in Riffa. The session was attended by Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary-General of the SCW. Dr. Shaikha Mariam opened the session by welcoming the attendees and conveying the greetings of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW. She commended the Youth Committee for organising various events, particularly in celebration of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's Silver Jubilee. Dr. Shaikha Mariam listened to the committee members' ideas on enhancing their work, improving performance, and achieving desired outcomes through new programmes that align with SCW's priorities and support the implementation of its initiatives. She commended the continuous efforts of the Youth Committee, which was established in 2003 und er the directives of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim, with the aim of focusing more attention on youth, preparing them as future leaders, and allowing them to express their aspirations and views on women's role as a key partner in nation-building. She noted that the committee is the first of its kind dedicated to youth under a council specialised in women's affairs and receives significant support from the SCW President. Dr. Shaikha Mariam affirmed that Bahrain's institutions pay special attention to youth at all levels, aiming to empower them as leaders across various sectors. She highlighted the vital role Bahraini youth play in achieving national accomplishments during the reign of His Majesty the King. She noted that further progress requires the experience and skills to address social and economic challenges faced by both women and youth. The SCW, she added, supports the youth's aspirations by equipping them with the necessary skills, engaging them in decision making processes, and providing the neede d support to continue building on past achievements, overcome challenges, and encourage them to drive change. Dr. Shaikha Mariam bin Hassan urged Bahraini youth to continue adopting initiatives, achieving milestones, raising awareness about rights and responsibilities, and leveraging available opportunities to enhance their role in serving the nation. She underlined the importance of developing their skills across various fields, in line with the vision of His Majesty the King, which recognises the essential role of youth in advancing the nation's progress and prosperity. She also highlighted the need to provide leadership opportunities for youth and create an environment that supports their national contributions with competence and vision. Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan emphasised the importance of listening to the ideas and views presented by the youth, which reflect their aspirations to develop themselves and contribute to nation building. She encouraged the committee members to intensify efforts in the coming period, focusing on key topics of interest to youth, including active community participation and discussing the achievements of Bahraini youth of both genders. She also called for raising awareness of laws and legislation supporting Bahraini women within the framework of the National Action Charter and the amended Constitution of 2002. On her part, the SCW Secretary General emphasised the council's commitment to aligning with youth interests and incorporating them into the SCW's development plans and initiatives. She highlighted the vital role of the Youth Committee as a communication medium between the council and youth of both genders, contributing to the council's ongoing initiatives and projects. The committee plays a crucial role in directing efforts towards creating qualitative opportunities for Bahraini youth and fostering an environment that promotes creativity and innovation. She also noted the importance of raising awareness among the youth about women's rights as human rights. Youth Comm ittee members expressed their gratitude to the SCW for the opportunity to join the region's first committee of its kind. They appreciated the royal support that enables them to share their aspirations, views, and initiatives, and to implement key programmes that support their ambitions in empowering both male and female youth. The dialogue session included several discussions highlighting the SCW's pivotal role as a key supporter of youth. Members emphasised their commitment to meeting the council's expectations, formulating initiatives that align with contemporary needs, and contributing to an inclusive environment where youth can enrich the nation and shape the future. They also expressed their readiness to develop innovative youth led initiatives to help foster national progress. Source: Bahrain News Agency