Bahrain promotes women’s rights with legislation

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

H.E. Dr. Ebtisam AlDalal, Head of the Services Committee of the Shura Council, announced that Bahrain has significantly advanced women’s rights through a strong legislative framework.

This progress has positioned Bahraini women as exemplary in various fields as part of the comprehensive reform project led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Dr. AlDalal’s remarks were made during the “Arab Parliaments Dialogue on Regional Reviews of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action after Thirty Years,” organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), UN Women, and the League of Arab States in Amman, Jordan.

The Shura Council delegation, led by Dr. Jihad AlFadhel, the Second Vice President, included Dr. Ebtisam AlDalal and Dr. Fatima Al Kooheji, who participated in the dialogue sessions.

Dr. AlDalal highlighted that the Bahraini government continually reviews its legislation to align with the evolving work environment and global changes.

Active role

Collaboration among parliamentarians is essential to proposing best practices, ensuring laws and proposals remain relevant, and enabling women to play an active role in sustainable economic growth.

National legislation supporting gender balance and women’s empowerment reflects the leadership’s interest, with support from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the President of the Supreme Council for Women.

This is evident in the rise of women’s participation in the private sector, which reached over 50% in 2022.

The Bahraini Constitution and the National Charter affirm equality among all citizens without discrimination in rights and duties.

Amendments to the Bahraini Labour Law in the private sector have reinforced women’s rights in the workplace, granting them the same entitlements as men.

Working mothers

The legislation also addresses the needs of working mothers, providing 60 days of paid maternity leave, two hours of childcare per day until the child reaches six months, and two half-hour care periods until the child’s first birthday.

Additionally, the law prohibits the dismissal or termination of a female worker due to marriage or maternity leave.

Dr. Jihad AlFadhel, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, confirmed that Bahrain’s legislative, executive, and judicial authorities are collaborating to implement initiatives for gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad Al Khalifa