Call for woman House head

Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala Al Ansari has expressed optimism about a woman heading the legislative branch soon. “Women have outstanding abilities and have accumulated experience over the years of practicing democracy in Bahrain,” she said.

She reviewed the participation history of Bahraini women in political action, which began in 1951 by participating in the parliamentary elections, reviewing the Bahraini women’s presence in the decision-making and labour market.

Women represent 53 per cent of the work force in the government sector, five per cent in ministerial positions, 23 per cent in leadership positions, 30 per cent in management positions, and 59 per cent in specialised posts.

Ms Al Ansari explained that the percentage of women’s participation in the legislative authority is 15 per cent, 23 per cent in the Shura Council and eight per cent in the Council of Representatives.

They also hold 42 per cent of presidency in Shura Council committees, and 10 per cent in the Council of Representatives committees. She noted that women took the post of Second Deputy Speaker in three legislative terms.