22. It is worthy of mention that the Law establishing the National Institution referred in its last amendment pursuant to the Decree-Law Number (20) of 2016, 11 in the process adopting the recommendation of the subcommittee concerned to necessarily build bridges of cooperation with the human rights defends- along with other quarters- through holding encounters, events and consultations related to the field of work. Section II: Women’s Rights 1. Attention to women’s rights in modern and contemporary societies is the cornerstone of every society where the principles of equality, non-discrimination, justice, and democracy prevail. Nowadays, the degree of progress in the area of human rights, in general, is measured by the extent of promotion and protection of women’s rights by the State in its national legislation and practices in the various fields of public life. This calls for greater recognition of women’s fundamental rights as well as securing the guarantees of equal and non-discriminatory enjoyment of those rights. 2. Emphasizing the importance of granting the Bahraini women their full rights on an equal footing and without discrimination, which is included in the pioneer reform project of His Majesty the King - May God protect him, the Amiri Decree No. (36) of 2000 was issued to establish the National Supreme Committee, which included six women members, in charge of preparing the draft National Action Charter. In addition, the Amiri Decree No. (17) of 2001 ratifying the National Action Charter was issued, stating in Chapter One that: “Personal freedoms are guaranteed; and equality for all citizens, justice, and equal opportunities are the fundamental pillars of the society. The onus is on the State to guarantee such for all citizens, without discrimination.” 3. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain guarantees that women enjoy a number of public rights and freedoms. Paragraph (e) of Article No. (1) of the Constitution stipulates: “ Citizens, both men and women, are entitled to participate in public affairs and may enjoy political rights, including the right to vote and to stand for elections ...”. It also refers to the need that the State guarantees reconciling the duties of women towards their families with their work in building the society. Paragraph (b) of Article No. (5) stipulates: “The State guarantees reconciling the duties of women towards the family with their work in society, and their equality with men in political, social, cultural, and economic spheres without breaching the provisions of Islamic Law (Shari’a).” 4. These constitutional provisions are the main driving force for the promulgation and amendment of a number of national legislation that guarantee the rights of Bahraini women in the various areas of public life. This constitutional provision also supports the establishment and enforcement of national mechanisms that guarantee the implementation of the different constitutional provisions and national legislation that support the participation of women along the path of development. 5. As regards the international instruments specialized in human rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to which the Kingdom of Bahrain 11 Article Number (12) Paragraph (j) of the Law No (26) of 2014 on Establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights as amended by Decree-Law No. (20) of 2016, which provides “Holding meetings and joint activities, cooperation, coordination and consultation with civil society and non-governmental organizations and various other groups and human rights defenders, and communicate directly with the claims of exposure to any form of abuse, and to report back to the Council of Commissioners”. 68