Bahraini women hold 48% of senior government positions

TDT | Manama

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Bahraini women have taken on more senior roles in government and business than ever before, holding 48 per cent of executive positions in the public sector and quadrupling their share of ministerial posts over the past two decades.

MP Maryam Saleh Al Dhaen, a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee in Parliament, attributed this progress to policies backed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women.

“Bahraini women have earned their place at every level of public life, driven by determination and bolstered by sound policies that ensure equal opportunities,” Al Dhaen said. “Their success is no accident but the result of years of effort and national will.”

Speaking at the Global Summit on Gender Equality in National Laws, held in Geneva on 10-11 December, Al Dhaen shared figures that point to this steady rise in women’s participation.

Ministerial roles

She noted that women now make up 43 per cent of the national workforce, with 22 per cent holding ministerial roles — four times the number from two decades ago.

Women have also expanded their presence in diplomacy, where they account for 37 per cent of the foreign service, according to mid-2023 data from the Supreme Council for Women.

Their influence in the judiciary has grown too, with women making up 11 per cent of the country’s judges.

Legislature

Political representation has strengthened as well. Women’s presence in the legislature has tripled in 20 years, rising from 8 per cent in 2002 to 23 per cent in 2022.

They now hold 25 per cent of seats in the Shura Council and 20 per cent in Parliament, while securing 18 per cent of municipal council seats after last year’s elections.

“Bahraini women have been trailblazers in education, public service, and enterprise,” Al Dhaen said. “Their story is one of continuous progress and growing influence in shaping the country’s future.”

Key players

The business world has not been left behind. Women now make up 35 per cent of Bahrain’s entrepreneurs, proving themselves as key players in the economic arena.

Al Dhaen stressed that none of these achievements would have been possible without Bahrain’s long-term policies aimed at opening doors and levelling the playing field.