It was only two decades ago that Bahraini women first exercised their voting and candidacy rights in the parliamentary elections. It was a historic day to say the least. But the winds of change had been blowing in Bahrain since long ago. The change materialized in a concrete measure when approximately two decades ago, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa launched a reformatory project that focused on human rights & freedoms, equality, and equal opportunities for all citizens. The aim of the project was to do away with any form of discrimination based on sex, religion, origin, or belief system. Bahraini women played a key role in tabling the National Action Charter, which was ultimately turned into constitutional rule by the King in 2001.
Achieving women empowerment and gender equality has been a key area of concern for Bahrain over the past several years. Back in the 60s, Bahraini women began foraying into fields such as public administration, banking, and medicine. The next decade saw more women enter sectors such as diplomacy, policing, military, and sports.
Fast forward to 2022, and women play a key role in national development and contribute towards the economy. 39 percent of the Bahraini workforce is made-up of women. Females also enjoy a near equal representation in government sectors and have assumed 45 percent of the key leadership positions in the official agencies of the state.
Women in Bahrain also enjoy a formidable presence in the business sector. 43 percent of the total commercial registrations are women owned. Women make-up 35 percent of the total private sector workforce. 17 percent of the total board seats in all private organizations are held by women and they make up 35 percent of all managerial positions in the private sector too. It is no doubt that Bahraini women play a significant role in national development. The country's ambitious Economic Vision 2030 also counts women as equal allies and partners.
With the concrete steps taken by the government under the guidance of the King, Bahrain is well on its way to create a gender balanced workforce and empower all women. Equal acknowledgement is also due to the wonderful and smart women of the country who have taken great strides towards success. They serve as inspirational role models to young girls in Bahrain, Gulf and all across the world.
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