Bahrain has joined a regional coalition that aims to advance the status of women across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The newly-created Alwane (My Colours) programme is made up of experienced and emerging leaders from 17 countries and hopes to encourage them to stand up for their rights and influence national and international policies affecting their participation in society.

It was launched during simultaneous events in Dubai, Jordan and Tunis.

Alwane country officer Ammar Awachi, who headed a Bahrain delegation at the GCC launch of the coalition, said key areas it intends to tackle include support for female entrepreneurs and inadequacy of existing retirement plans for working women.

'Alwane is a phrase that stands for active leaders for women's advancement in the near east and it also means My Colours in Arabic, which evokes both the ability to colour our own future and the influence of diversity in leading change,' he said.

'I have formed a team of 20 members from both genders and different backgrounds and we will soon announce the location of our headquarters.

'We aim to raise awareness, create a platform for dialogue, advocate change and influence national, regional and international policies affecting women's participation in society.'

The programme has been launched by the US-based Women's Campaign International.-TradeArabia News Service