Malabo, Dr. Jehad Abdulla Alfadhel, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Network of Women Parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab World, led the network's meeting on the sidelines of the 11th Consultative Meeting of the Association of Senates, Shura and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab world (ASSECAA). The meeting took place at the Senate headquarters in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on September 26-27. Dr. Al Fadhel emphasised that Bahrain's participation in international parliamentary forums, particularly the involvement of Bahraini women parliamentarians, showcases Bahrain's leading model of supporting and empowering women, a model that has gained significant international recognition. She credited this success to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalif a, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). She highlighted that the meeting of the Parliamentary Network of Women Parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab World reflects a collective commitment to the critical issue of enhancing women's active participation in political, economic, and social spheres. Dr. Al Fadhel expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the network's members and all supporting partners working towards these shared goals. The meeting provided an opportunity to continue advancing the empowerment of women parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab world, focusing on increasing their participation in public life, especially within legislative bodies. Participants underscored the importance of collaboration to narrow the gender gap, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Additionally, the meeting aimed to strengthen ASSECAA's stance on establishing a platform for consultation and sharing knowledge and exper tise on women's issues. Source: Bahrain News Agency