HRH Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim, Wife of King of Bahrain: We are on the path to achieve total equality between women and men

Manama - Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that “the Kingdom of Bahrain, despite its small surface area, has succeeded in drawing attention to it as a state that supports democratic work, based on the separation of powers, laying the foundations for the rule of law and the participation of the people in governance.” She also stressed the importance of the participation of Bahraini women in political life, and spoke about their early role in public affairs, which dates back to the era prior to the discovery of oil in the thirties. Princess Sabika also spoke in detail about the big importance this issue has been given within the main tenants of the reform plan laid down by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa since he took office in 1999, and which made the empowerment of women and their roles one of its main priorities.

In her interview with Al-Hayat, Princess Sabika rejected the idea of adopting a quota for women as a statute that clears the way for the latter to enter the political domain, “because women must rely on their culture and success in serving their society and country”, while pointing out that the King’s appointment of women to serve in the Shura Council is considered to be an invitation to bolstering women’s involvement in legislative life. Princess Sabika also praised the important role being played by Bahraini women in what regards the development process in her country, and expressed her satisfaction with this role by saying: “The continuation of the development process will always involve women’s full participation in public. However, this will not happen unless women secure their rights, so that they can in turn sow security and combat poverty, disease, hunger and the manifestations of backward thinking wherever these may be”. Moreover, the Princess expressed her hope that all the spectrums of the Bahraini society would consent to the enforcement of the charters and laws pertaining to the regulations governing family affairs, in particular after the latter’s positive results have started to show in the lives of Bahraini families. Princess Sabika then commended the substantial support provided by the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince and the government when it comes to the issues that are important to Bahraini women. She also stressed on the importance of the constructive and fruitful role played by the Supreme Council for Women in all aspects of women’s lives in Bahrain. She then emphasized on the constructive role that can be played by the spouses of Kings and Heads of State in terms of boosting goodwill, and in terms of building bridges and spreading harmony among the different Arab countries.

The following is the transcript of the interview:

> Ten years have passed since the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, and the goals set forth by it are momentous and comprehensive; what is the rate of success in achieving these goals?

- We have perhaps succeeded in achieving 70 percent or more. We have many dreams and goals, which are constantly growing, while new goals often come to light. I am satisfied with the progress being made by the Council, and our sisters there are working seriously and perseveringly. Nonetheless, the scope of our work is complex, and our desire to serve Bahraini women and the Bahraini society stems from our confidence in Bahraini women themselves and from their roles.

> What are the main obstacles facing effective participation by women in building their country and nation; are they the religious misconceptions? Or perhaps the social traditions? Or is it the women themselves?

- I do not see any obstacles in Bahrain that hinder women’s participation alongside men in building their country. If you are talking about businesswomen, then there is real support and encouragement in Bahrain for female entrepreneurs, both on the official and the popular levels. In fact, Bahraini women have been studying and working for very long, and such active women are looked upon with satisfaction, and with a respectable and honourable manner.

> Over three full days, you spent some long hours at the exhibition that was entitled ‘training and employment opportunities for female job seekers’; What is the idea behind this exhibition, and how would you describe your experience there?

- The idea of this exhibition was conceived several years ago, when King Hamad sought to find a solution for the problem of unemployment among women, which amounts to 75 percent of the overall percentage of unemployed individuals in Bahrain. The latter does not exceed 3 or 4 percent, and this is of course one the lowest of such rates in the world. We were puzzled by this high rate among women, although there is no discrimination against women in this area. Hence, it was essential to identify the reasons that prevent the integration of women in the private sector’s labour market. Is the reason then that women are refraining from work? Is it the work hours? Or is it the insurance benefits? Or is it the labour laws and the differences in wages? Also, this exhibition is an opportunity to act on the training opportunities available, and which contribute in solving problems related to the participation in the labour market.

In fact, we in the Council agreed with the Minister of Labour Dr. Majeed al-Alawi on studying the reasons behind the lack of women’s employment; we are awaiting the results of this study, - which we have been conducting for a while- , and they will be released in the coming days.

> And what about your work there?

- As for my experience in meeting my sisters at the exhibition, this gave me the opportunity to hear their woes and concerns, and address some of their personal issues. Such meetings really please me, as they give me the chance to learn about the challenges that women face, and also help deepen my humane bias for my own countrywomen. This is particularly valid since we are all working on improving the standing of the Bahraini family, as well as its present and future. Also, this is an opportunity for me to convey these problems to the relevant officials, in order to resolve them through our combined efforts.

Meanwhile, what also influenced the efforts to assist the working Bahraini women is the existence of three banks that have endorsed these women, including the Development Bank, which has a system to promote successful businesses in place, in order for these to grow and expand. There is also the Family Bank, which focuses its support on productive low income families, and also the Creativity Bank, which offers interest-free small loans, and was established to encourage creative ideas, and people with special talents.

All segments of the Bahraini society benefit from these schemes with no exceptions, each according to his or her abilities and qualifications. As you may notice, these banks encourage the sons and daughters of Bahrain to pursue projects that suit their personal passions and abilities, and to avoid working as employees for financial reasons.

For example, there is a Bahraini young woman who is good at photography and who, thanks to a soft loan, has purchased her own studio. Today, she is herself employing other people. I also believe that having a university degree does not secure employment for its holder by default; rather, it should prompt the search for talent and true passion, and should also lead to the enlisting of knowledge and culture towards achieving the goal.

> But how did Bahrain succeed in keeping unemployment at such a low rate?

- Where we stand right now was the result of joint efforts, as the King had asked the Ministry of Labour to develop a plan to reduce unemployment rates. Also, the Crown Prince, Prince Salman bin Hamad put forth a plan to increase the cost of foreign labour, which rendered the latter much more costly than Bahraini labour. This had caused a stir among the employers, with some objecting to the plan from the standpoint that Bahraini labour lacks training and experience. Hence, the need arose to create training programs; we also put plans in motion to reform education, in addition to plans to better study the needs of the Bahraini job market, in order to better address this need. This is in addition to the sincere efforts of the [Bahraini] leadership, the Ministry of Labour, the Supreme Council for Women and of course, the Bahraini people.

It must be said here that as a result of these efforts, the picture has started to become clearer to us, and we want to know whether the declared number of four thousand unemployed [women] is accurate, or whether it is exaggerated. Our aim behind these efforts is to thus put an end to speculation, and this is what will come to fruition soon, as I mentioned. We are all keen on knowing all the facts, in order to raise participation by women seeking to enter the job market to 100 percent.

We have in fact an economic vision built on three main tenants:

1 – Competition, which drives success, excellence and creativity.

2 - Legislation, which facilitates the task of creating a work force characterized by equality, renders everyone equal before the law and organizes labour affairs.

3 - Sustainability: This means the continuation of purposeful work that strives to achieve better and bigger goals

> Can you give us a brief description of the work done by the Supreme Council for Women?

- The council was established in August 2001, as an official body concerned with the affairs of Bahraini women. It reports directly to the King of Bahrain and is considered an advisory body, and not an executive one. The Council’s vision revolves around the idea that women are worthy partners in the nation-building and development processes. It comprises of 16 leading women, and its most important functions include proposing the public policies related to the development of women’s status in society’s constitutional and civil institutions, and drafting a proposal for a national plan for Bahraini women. As for its strategic scopes, they include decision making, economic empowerment, family stability, civil society, environment, health, education and training.

> Which of these projects is closest to your heart? I know that the Council is working hard to raise awareness among Bahraini women, regarding the importance of their right to vote and participate in the political life? Do you approve the scenario whereby women would enter the parliament through the quota system?

- I am strict in what regards this issue, and I am not in favour of imposing women in this manner. Instead, I believe that the Bahraini women, who succeeded in earning respect and imposed their presence in various areas of public life, must follow the same road towards the parliament. In other words, they must earn the love and respect of the voters, through their commitment in serving their society and culture, and through having a comprehensive vision to further serve the interests of their country. Only then will the people vote for women though conviction and not through imposition.

We have many various programs for the political empowerment of women; these programs help them in organizing their campaigns, as well as in training and preparing them. Hence, we have witnessed an increase in women’s participation in the voting process and I believe that the King’s appointment of women to serve in the Shura Council is considered to be an unequivocal invitation to bolster women’s involvement in legislative life

If the quota system is ever adopted, it must come through the grass-roots communities, so that people may choose those who are qualified amongst them. Otherwise, imposing a quota for women might allow in unqualified women, which might damage the Bahraini women’s political experience, and even make women regress in this domain. I hope that the participation of Bahraini women in the elections next October will be successful, and that the Bahraini women will demonstrate that their political awareness has matured. We have many qualified women who enjoy a high degree of wisdom, knowledge and ability, which is what they have proven in the course of their work in the Shura Council.

> Although many women in the Arab and Islamic world dream of arriving at the status attained by Bahraini women through the family affairs law, most of the women belonging to the Shiite sect remain outside of the scope of this law; are you optimistic that a second part of this law will be endorsed soon?

- This law gave women many rights in order to maintain their dignity and hold their families together. For example, it gave the wife the right to ask for a prenuptial agreement whereby the husband cannot take a second wife without notifying her with a registered affidavit. Also, this law obligates the husband to provide his wife with alimony amicably, and not interfere in her private affairs, gives her the right to run her affairs amicably. The law also grants the judge the right to decide, at the behest of the wife, on a temporary alimony for her and her children, as well as stressing that the husband does not have the right to accommodate a second wife with his first one at the same residence, in addition to numerous other provisions that protect the rights of women and their children to a decent and secure life.

In fact, the King has reiterated time and again that he did not, and will not sign any law that violates the Sharia; why then is there some apprehension being expressed by some of the clergymen?

Today, a year and a half onwards, the positive results of this law are starting to appear in the lives of the Bahraini families and Bahraini women. Furthermore, the approach that must be followed in enforcing this law has become clear, and this experience might convince this law opponents of its benefits and usefulness, but if they are not to be convinced, no one will force them to accept it.

> How would you describe the cooperation of Bahraini women and of the Supreme Council for Women with their counterparts in the GCC and the Arab world?

- There is close cooperation between the Bahraini women and their counterparts elsewhere, not only in the GCC area, but also on the level of the Arab world as a whole. The picture became clearer for the Bahraini women when Bahrain joined the Arab Women Organization, and there is close cooperation between the Supreme Council and the other Bahraini organizations on one hand, and their counterparts in other Arab countries on the other hand.

I for my part collaborate with many of my friends including First Ladies, such as Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak and the Lebanese MP Mrs. Bahia Hariri, and have the pleasure to often hold meetings with everyone in this line of work.

> Do you think that Bahraini women have contributed in changing the stereotypical image of Arab women?

- I feel that Bahraini women are now recognized everywhere for their achievements; Thank God, Bahraini women have attained the highest positions. Today, Bahraini women are in the United Nations General Assembly, or are lawyers, doctors, brilliant bankers, successful businesswomen and ambassadors, and what these women are doing for their country is something admirable.

> There is a belief that the image of women in the media does not represent the reality of their lives and does not reflect their real problems; do you believe this assessment to be accurate?

- There is much diversity in the media, and the latter – i.e. the media – is the mirror of any society. While there are purposeful cultural magazine that one can enjoy reading, there are others that are not worth the trouble of even looking at them, and they serve no purpose. However, the media bears the serious responsibility of conveying the true image of working Arab women, and of tackling issues that are of concern to the latter. Besides, the media has also a part to play in building a harmonious and homogenous society.

> Does Princess Sabika share the concerns of Bahraini women with King Hamad?

- Of course! He always wants to be kept in the loop regarding our work at the Council, and likes to be briefed about the issues in a comprehensive and exhaustive manner. He likes to hear all opinions, and for the subject matter to be presented to him in a scientific way that is supported by figures, especially that our time is limited, and that he does not like to take spontaneous decisions in such fundamental issues. In truth, had it not been for the King’s absolute support, we would not have been able to achieve anything, or stride down this path, not even a single step.

Last year, when we asked him to have a special day for women so that the latter may celebrate their value and take pride in their roles, he agreed immediately and decided to make a visit to the Bahraini women’s home, the Supreme Council for Women, on the National Day of Bahrain, together with the senior officials in the state. He delivered his annual address on this occasion from there, which shows how much respect and appreciation he personally has for the woman and for her broad participation in the process of building the family and the nation, which is a view that he shares with all the other officials. I believe that the biggest gift the King has ever given to women in Bahrain is the establishment of the Supreme Council to focus on the wellbeing of women.

> Do you believe that First Ladies have a role in reconciling the opinions of the Arab kings and heads of states?

- Of course, without a doubt. Women play an essential and basic role in building human relationships and strengthening the bonds of friendship that is based on dialogue, compassion and respect. Fraternity thus helps in overcoming great difficulties, and there are many Arab countries, with which we share old ties, and with which we deal as though we are all one family, by honouring them and being honoured by them with warmth and kindness. I might add that the more we treat each other on the basis of the Islamic religion, the more our differences would melt and disappear.

> Do the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Princess Sabika treat their sons and daughters on the basis of equality?

- We got married at an early age, and have had three sons and one daughter. This allowed us to build a friendly relationship with our children, whom we treated, and still treat as being all equal. The King says that my joy of having my daughter Najla equals my joy of having my eldest son Salman; our children are equal in all rights and duties.

> During a previous interview, we talked about your passion for reading newspapers? Do you still have the time to read these days?

- I must read the Bahraini newspapers every morning, in addition to the newspapers ‘Al-Hayat’ and ‘Al-Sharq al-Awsat’. When I travel, I add the Herald Tribune to this list, because I cannot be comfortable unless I know exactly what is taking place in my country, my region and in the world at large.

> But such reading may not be in itself comfortable; so are there any activities that you pursue for the purposes of leisure and entertainment?

- My first hobby is my interest in heritage and traditional architecture. I always work on preserving the aesthetics and features of heritage buildings because of their national value. I am also interested in landscaping and gardening, and hence my strong passion about the gardens exhibition, which I have been entrusted to oversee after the King’s father Sheikh Isa passed away, may he rest in peace. This exhibition has become an international annual event, attracting visitors from the region and from all over the world. In addition to this, I am very interested in productive farming such as the growing of fruit and vegetables. We have many productive agricultural reservations, and in line with the objectives set forth by the United Nations this year, we adopted ‘food’ as a slogan for our exhibition.

I also share the King’s love for Arabian horses, and we are involved together in the process of breeding these horses, and in working on maintaining their Arabian breed. My love for horses stems from the King’s love for them.

> What are Princess Sabika’s dreams for her children and grandchildren?

- That God bestow upon them health and stability, and I hope that they learned from us the passion to give, as we learned from our ancestors and parents. Our children are a blessing from God, and I hope that I have done right by them in educating them to serve their country, and I am grateful to God that they all completed their university studies, and are working proficiently in public affairs, in the service of Bahrain. My daughter Najla also worked in public affairs, and now after her marriage one month ago, she has devoted herself to building her family, and I believe that her role as a wife and as a the head of her household is the most important work she can do. My biggest wish remains to see my children and grandchildren work for their country just like our parents and we did, because I consider that serving our country is a big honour for me and for my family.