Women 'must join political process'

Bahraini women, fighting for their rights for years must fully participate in the country's political process to address their issues, said Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, yesterday.

Speaking at an open forum organised by the Supreme Cou-ncil for Women and held at the University of Bahrain's Sakhir campus, she said: "We are here to speak sternly on the participation of women in the parliamentary elections," which will be held on October 24 for the first time since 1973.

She said the National Action Charter emphasises equality between all citizens regardless of their gender.

Unlike the 1973 experience which was held under the old constitution, the 2002 Constit-ution has granted women the right to vote and run for office. There are eight women contesting the polls.

"This is a great achievement for Bahrain," Sheikha Sabika told a large number of students and activists, saying that other countries are watching Bahrain now, "learning from our experience."

She told the candidates that "winning is not the most important factor, it is enough that they have the courage to enter this new field. They will gain in the end, being the first to participate in such a powerful event."

She said Bahraini women are and will be part of the political changes taking place in the country, and they should be proud of this chance, to use their political rights in order to voice women's concerns.

Bahrainis, she continued, should all bear in mind that the ongoing changes aim to cement equality among all Bahrainis regardless of gender and origin.

She urged the Bahrainis to work for the success of the electoral process. The elections are being boycotted by four political associations, including the influential Islamic National Wefaq Society.

The groups are protesting the 2002 constitutional changes under which the appointed Shura Council has been given legislating powers equal to those given traditionally to the elected House of Deputies.

Sheikha Sabika said: "When democracy is introduced in a country for the first time, there will be some people against some of its laws or clauses. We must learn from them. We shouldn't think of boycotting them. This is democracy, which gives freedom of speech and choice."

She emphasised that every Bahraini has the right to take part in or boycott the process and has the right to nominate whosoever he wishes to without prejudice.

"Bahrainis should hold their hands together and make this happen and succeed. It is everybody's national duty. I am going to use my right and vote for whoever I see suitable, and anybody who has got an inch of love for Bahrain should participate in the elections.

"We have fought over decades for a parliament and now after 25 years we have achieved this goal, so do use your right," she told the audience.