The SCW is headed by Her Highness Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty the King. Also taking part in the seminar is a group of journalists from local papers. Participants will learn the basic constitutional principles and the freedom to practise political rights, women in international treaties ratified by Bahrain and networking and building allies.

Experts asked the women candidates to be confident and honest with the voters to win their trust, while also focusing on mechanisms to enhance women’s involvement in the decision-making process.

The seminar, which began on Sunday, will also brief the women candidates on mechanisms on mobilising media support. SCW is keen to raise awareness about the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and an overall women empowerment.

Supporting women in election comes in line with the SCW’s policy to fight all types of discrimination against women and encourage them to take up senior positions in private and government sectors.

It is also dedicated to offering more facilities to women to enable them to lead prosperous lives. Participants will be briefed on the history of the Kingdom’s media that started with newspapers in the 50s, radio station in the 60s and then Bahrain TV in the 70s. They will review agenda of the six local Arabic newspapers and how to benefit from each to promote their campaigns.

According to the head of the programme, Mariam Janahi, 82 women have so far expressed their interest in contesting polls, but the actual number will be clear only when the registration process is completed.