As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the social protection system and reinforce integration among national institutions, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the Ministry of Social Development, the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) signed a unified Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate and unify national efforts to support Bahraini women in humanitarian situations.

Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development; Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary-General of the SCW; Dana Khamis Al Zayani. Undersecretary for planning, family reconciliation and alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf; Major General Dr. Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security; Lieutenant-General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, Deputy Minister of Interior; Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development; and Assistant Secretary General for Planning and Charity Resources Development at the RHF, were present.

Minister Al Alawi emphasised that the initiative reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW, towards advancing Bahraini women.

He noted that the MoU builds on the longstanding cooperation and continued partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and the SCW, and represents a coordinated step with the other relevant entities to unify efforts and amplify their impact through an organised national framework, building on previous successes in social protection and humanitarian response. The agreement focuses on clarifying roles and responsibilities among the participating institutions.

The minister further noted that joint efforts will continue through permanent coordination mechanisms and ongoing development of systems and procedures to ensure tangible outcomes that meet the needs of Bahraini women under various circumstances.

For her part, the Secretary-General Al Awadhi emphasised that, in line with the Council’s mandate and the implementation of the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, this initiative aims to coordinate national efforts to support women in emergencies.

She highlighted the continued support and attention given to Bahraini women, which has solidified their role as key partners in advancing national development under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She also highlighted the efforts of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim in supporting initiatives that benefit women, including this initiative. She thanked all participating entities for their role in coordinating and streamlining the services provided by government ministries and official institutions, and for facilitating support for Bahraini women in need.

She underscored the importance of optimising national efforts and the services provided by relevant institutions within their respective mandates.

Lt. Gen. Al Fadhel commended the support of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, for initiatives aimed at furthering the advancement of Bahraini women, particularly within the security and service sectors of the Ministry. He also underlined the importance of coordinating national efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of Bahraini women as part of strengthening social values and contributing to a safe community environment.

He highlighted that the Ministry of Interior’s signing of the MoU comes in implementation of the Minister’s directives to adopt innovative initiatives and projects that contribute to strengthening the societal framework.

Lt. Gen. Al Fadhel also referenced the services provided by the Ministry to support Bahraini women in humanitarian situations, including the "Fael Khair" programme implemented by the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing; family and child protection offices in police directorates across governorates; unified procedural policies for handling related cases; and the role of governorates in providing social and coordination support.

He added that this new initiative, which will be launched as part of the MoU and national coordination efforts, forms an organisational foundation and structured approach to responding to the humanitarian needs of Bahraini women, particularly in light of increasing challenges that require collective societal efforts to strengthen and preserve the family unit, thereby enhancing social protection.

The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance of community awareness, initiatives that foster national belonging and loyalty, and the role of partnerships between public and private institutions and civil society in addressing challenges, preserving the Bahraini family, and promoting social stability. He also highlighted the contribution of Community Police in enhancing public safety and providing social support across all segments of society.

For her part, Dana Khamis Al Zayani. Undersecretary for planning, family reconciliation and alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, affirmed the importance of effective institutional coordination in raising the level of responsiveness to the humanitarian needs of women. She said the signing of the MoU was a meaningful step towards unifying and complementing efforts across the respective mandates of each entity, and for providing more efficient mechanisms to address women's urgent needs and deliver prompt support.

The MoU aims to leverage and coordinate national efforts and services offered by ministries and relevant institutions within their remits to provide financial and in-kind support for Bahraini women facing urgent social, economic, or living conditions.