UN chief receives Bahraini Council for Women secretary-general

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has received the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala Al-Ansri, who is participating in the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), currently held here.
Al-Ansari conveyed to the UN Chief greetings from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the SCW, and her praise of the efforts exerted by the UN and its specialised agencies, especially CSW, for the sake of advancing women in all fields.
The SCW Secretary-General highlighted the Government of Bahrain's focus on advancing the status of Bahraini women through laws, and effective procedures that contributed to ensuring their presence in various fields. She stressed that the launch of the National Model for Integrating Women's Needs in the Government's Action Plan, the establishment of permanent equal opportunities units at ministries and official bodies, and cooperation with ministries in putting forward the mechanisms to meet women's needs in their budgets were a living proof of Bahrain's pioneering experience in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) regarding gender equality.
Ban Ki-moon lauded the kingdom's continuous efforts to empower Bahraini women and ensure their access to decision-making positions.
He praised Bahrain's commitment to submitting its periodic reports to Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
He expressed pride in the crucial role played by HRH Princess Sabeeka in empowering Bahraini women in all fields, which, he said, has enabled them to reach high positions in Bahrain and at the international level.