MANAMA, Bahrain, Jan 21: Eman Al-Enezi, Acting Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), praised the achievements made through the joint Gulf action strategy and the commitment of all member states to enhancing the status of women and empowering them as a key pillar of sustainable development.

Al-Enezi delivered these remarks during the second meeting of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which took place in Manama and was attended by representatives from all GCC countries.

"We are honored to meet today under the umbrella of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs in the GCC, chaired by the State of Kuwait," Al-Enezi said. "This meeting reflects the strong fraternal ties between the Gulf countries and our unwavering commitment to continue joint efforts aimed at empowering Gulf women as vital partners in the sustainable development process."

Al-Enezi described the meeting as a "pivotal moment" in the journey of joint Gulf action. She highlighted the tireless efforts exerted to elevate the status of Gulf women and empower them across various development sectors. The Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs has proven to be a strategic platform that turns ambitious goals into impactful initiatives and innovative policies, she added.

She also extended her deep gratitude to Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain, for hosting the meeting, emphasizing her pioneering efforts in supporting and empowering Gulf women. Al-Enezi described Princess Sabeeka's work as a source of inspiration and a role model for enhancing women's roles in development.

In her speech, Lulwa AlAwadhi, Acting Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain, emphasized the committee's role in coordinating the joint efforts of the GCC countries on women's issues. She noted the importance of strengthening cooperation, aligning positions, and unifying visions regarding women's empowerment and leadership.

AlAwadhi expressed Bahrain’s hope that the outcomes of the meeting would lead to significant achievements for Gulf women. She praised the progress Gulf women have made, noting their growing contributions to national development and their status as active partners in the comprehensive development underway across the GCC.

She also underscored the role of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs in unifying and coordinating efforts and highlighted Bahrain's commitment to applying its expertise in women’s empowerment, developing initiatives, programs, plans, and policies to meet women's needs in development, in line with the joint Gulf action strategy.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed the joint Gulf action strategy for women's affairs in the GCC countries for the period 2024-2030. Proposals from the General Secretariat were discussed, focusing on the development of executive procedures for the strategy's goals through cooperation among all member states, in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The committee also discussed a full vision prepared by the General Secretariat, in collaboration with the State of Kuwait, for a side event dedicated to women. This event will be held in conjunction with the upcoming session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City next March. The session aims to spotlight the significant role of Gulf women in modern technology and highlight their achievements and contributions to the digital transformation process.

The committee members also reviewed the proposed timetable for the event.