Latest news with #SCW
Daily Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Women Power Ahead
TDT | Manama Young Bahraini women with bold business dreams are stepping into global markets through the fifth edition of the 'Imtiaz' initiative, launched by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) to champion export-ready female-led startups. First launched in 2011 by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), the 'Imtiaz' platform has evolved into a key springboard for women-led enterprises aiming to scale beyond Bahrain. Participation has surged since its inception, rising from 11 entrepreneurs in the first round to 98 in the fourth. Now in its fifth cycle, the initiative is actively calling for applications from Bahraini women under 45 with at least three years of entrepreneurial experience, whose businesses are licensed and hold majority ownership. A strong emphasis is placed on export potential, creativity, sustainability, and readiness for digital transformation. Support system 'Imtiaz' does more than recognise excellence. It offers branding benefits, access to investors, expert mentorship, and media visibility to winners. Participants gain tools to refine their products, develop marketing strategies, and meet international standards - helping them compete beyond Bahrain's borders. Eligibility conditions include submitting financial documentation and proof of legal licensing, and showing a strong foundation in buying, selling, or services. Judges assess projects on innovation, scalability, governance, and social responsibility. Past winners from previous editions have built thriving businesses in fields ranging from food manufacturing and law to tech consulting, interior design, and medical services. From local to global The latest round also places new weight on strategic readiness for international expansion. Projects must integrate digital tools, align with Fourth Industrial Revolution trends, and demonstrate risk management plans and operational resilience. This focus is part of a broader national effort to enhance women's participation in the economy, consistent with the goals of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. Flexibility It reflects a push toward equal opportunity, combining professional ambition with the flexibility to balance family life. Entrepreneurs who meet the criteria can now apply to join the fifth 'Imtiaz' cohort and take their business vision global.
Biz Bahrain
7 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
SCW launches fifth cycle of Imtiyaz initiative
The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) has recently launched the fifth cycle of the 'Imtiyaz' Initiative for Young Bahraini Women Entrepreneurs, a prominent platform designed to inspire and empower. This initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing the economic participation of Bahraini women, fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young women, and highlighting outstanding achievements in the field. It also aims to promote a culture of innovation, encourage new business ventures, and draw attention to emerging investment sectors within the Kingdom. The initiative further strengthens partnerships between the Supreme Council for Women and civil society organisations, supporting the economic empowerment of women in line with the objectives of the national plan for the advancement of Bahraini women. The 'Imtiyaz' Initiative was established by Edict (10) of 2011, issued by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). Over its previous four cycles, the initiative has gained significant momentum, growing from 11 participants in its inaugural round to 98 in the fourth, spanning a diverse range of sectors. The initiative seeks to enhance the role of women in society by promoting economic development through diverse projects, showcase exemplary success stories, and celebrate the diversity of ideas and innovation in entrepreneurship. 'Imtiyaz' is open to all young Bahraini women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The initiative aims to highlight their achievements, encourage more women to enter the entrepreneurial sector, and position self-employment as a viable pathway to economic participation and national growth. The initiative provides more than recognition for winners. It offers a comprehensive package of benefits to support their entrepreneurial journey, including development support for products and services to increase productivity and competitiveness, the right to use the 'Imtiyaz' logo on official materials, access to training and mentorship from industry experts, opportunities to connect with a broad network of investors and entrepreneurs, and increased media exposure to promote their projects and enhance brand credibility. Applicants must: Be Bahraini nationals, aged 45 or younger. Have at least three years of entrepreneurial experience. Submit a financial report on their business or project. Hold a valid business licence in their name or own at least 50% of the venture. Operate a business engaged in sales, purchases, or service provision. Assessment is based on creativity and distinction in entrepreneurship, ability to develop and sustain the project, recruitment of national talent with consideration for equal opportunities, ambitious initiatives to expand beyond the local market, and voluntary activities reflecting a strong sense of social responsibility. Projects are evaluated by a dedicated panel, with a focus on governance principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness, rule of law, and effectiveness, encouraging entrepreneurs to enhance their institutions' efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Winners from previous cycles have represented a range of sectors, including retail, healthcare, legal services, event management, design, and food production, among others. Each cycle has seen a notable increase in participation, reflecting the growing impact and reach of the initiative. The Supreme Council for Women has announced the opening of applications for the fifth cycle, inviting young Bahraini women entrepreneurs to present their projects. This cycle offers participants the opportunity to access innovative solutions for strategic development, identify challenges and opportunities, and benefit from support programmes that facilitate entry into international markets and enhance business competitiveness. Participating projects are expected to demonstrate flexibility, export potential, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, including the adoption of digital solutions and alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The initiative remains a key driver in economically empowering Bahraini women, promoting equal opportunities, and supporting a balance between professional and family life, contributing to the steady rise in participation with each cycle. BNA(R)
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SCW chairperson for death to Baba for conversions
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Women (SCW) chairperson Babita Chauhan demanded the death penalty for Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, recently arrested by the UP ATS for masterminding a religious conversion racket. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Accused of targeting non-Muslim girls and preparing a 'rate list' for their conversion, Chhangur Baba's arrest sparked widespread outrage. Calling it a 'well-planned conspiracy', Chauhan said, "Our daughters are not test subjects for such poisonous ideologies. Those who cheat and convert them are enemies of society and deserve death." She praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for enacting strict anti-conversion laws and urged society not to remain silent. "It's time for people to rise and protect their daughters from this menace," she said. Chauhan urged women to unite against such exploitation, calling the ATS crackdown a vital step in dismantling these dangerous networks. "There must be zero tolerance for such crimes," she added.
The Print
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
BJD leader moves SCW seeking BJP MLA's arrest for derogatory remarks
The memorandum demanded that the SCW 'Immediately institute an inquiry into the incident of misconduct by Khatua and issue a direction to police to take immediate action on my FIR and arrest the culprit since the sections under which the MLA has been charged are cognizable and requires custodial interrogation'. Accompanied by a group of party leaders, Samantasinghar submitted a memorandum to the State Commission for Women. Bhubaneswar, Jul 7 (PTI) BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar on Monday asked the State Commission for Women, Odisha to direct police to arrest ruling BJP MLA Santosh Khatua for his alleged derogatory remarks against her. The BJD leader has already filed a written complaint at the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar against the BJP MLA. Narrating the sequence of the incident, the BJD woman leader said that Khatua out of anger targeted her and made wild allegations and also pointed fingers at her character. 'His filthy and misogynistic way of portraying women is a gross violation of the law of the land and amounts to outraging the modesty of a woman,' Samantasinghar said. The BJD leader said the MLA made such remarks after she at a party press conference accused him of having links with poachers who killed elephants in Nilgiri area. 'Instead of giving a reply to my allegations, he targeted me,' she said. Samantsinghar also told the SCW that she also fears danger to her life as Khatua lives near her house at Nilgiri in Balasore district. 'Since the person in question is a ruling party MLA, I would request the Commission to act independently and impartially in bringing the matter to justice. I would request to treat this matter with due urgency since delay may dilute the seriousness of the problem,' she said in the memorandum. Meanwhile, four complaints have been filed against the MLA, three at Nilgiri police station in Balasore district and one at Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar by Samantsingher herself. The Police on July 5 booked Khatua, under BNS sections 75 (2) that deals with sexual harassment, 79 (offensive words, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 296 (obscene act/ song in a public place) and 356 (defamation). Khatua on Monday accused Samantsinghar of making 'unacceptable' remarks against women whose husbands go outside the state on migration. This apart, the MLA said he just responded to Samantasinghar's remarks of 'thief' and 'dacoit' towards him. PTI AAM AAM RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Daily Tribune
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Talks on national plan for women's advancement
The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) held a coordination meeting with representatives from ministries and official institutions to present the 2025–2026 National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. The meeting highlighted the Council's commitment to national partnership in advancing women's development, in line with the long-term strategy launched in 2005 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with oversight by the Supreme Council for Women led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Council. It marked the beginning of a series of similar sessions the Council plans to hold with other national partners involved in implementing the plan, including institutions from the private sector and civil society. SCW Secretary- General Lulwa Al Awadhi outlined the structure and priorities of the new plan, which brings together initiatives that remain pending from previous phases, alongside programmes aligned with the current Government Action Plan.
