The Kingdom of Bahrain has recently been praised for its significant progress in gender equality, as highlighted in the Women, Business, and the Law Report 2024 by the World Bank. This groundbreaking achievement showcases Bahrain’s impressive strides in women’s economic empowerment, with a remarkable 30.6% increase in its index score since 2018. Particularly noteworthy is the doubling of progress in the “wages” category, along with 50% enhancements in the “workplace” and “pensions” categories, and 20% and 25% increases in the “marriage” and “entrepreneurship” categories, respectively.
With an expert opinion rating of 92.5% in terms of the implementation of women’s rights in practice, Bahrain received a perfect score of 100% in categories such as mobility, workplace, entrepreneurship, and assets. These achievements are reflective of the progressive vision set forth by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the support provided by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The societal openness and awareness in Bahrain, together with the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, have significantly contributed to achieving gender balance in the country.
The success highlighted in the report is the result of collaborative efforts between the Supreme Council for Women and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy. This cooperation involved a comprehensive review of laws and legislation relating to women’s rights and gender equality, leading to the provision of updated national legislation to the World Bank. New laws and amendments were enacted in various areas, including financial services, paid and unpaid leave for working women, equal retirement rights, and the prohibition of wage discrimination.
A joint team, comprising the Supreme Council for Women, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, and the Bahrain Economic Development Board, was formed to analyze the report’s indicators and study the legislation of the developed countries featured in the report. The combined effort of these entities has undoubtedly played a crucial role in Bahrain’s progress towards gender equality, showcasing the country’s commitment to empowering women in various aspects of life.
The achievements outlined in the Women, Business, and the Law Report 2024 serve as a testament to Bahrain’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workforce. The notable progress in various categories such as wages, workplace, and entrepreneurship reflects the country’s commitment to implementing practical measures to enhance women’s rights and opportunities. The perfect scores attained in crucial areas such as mobility and assets further demonstrate Bahrain’s success in fostering an inclusive society that values and supports gender balance.
Moving forward, Bahrain’s continued collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Supreme Council for Women and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, will be essential in maintaining and furthering the progress made in gender equality. By enacting and implementing laws that promote women’s rights and ensure equal opportunities, Bahrain is setting a positive example for other countries to follow. As the nation continues on its path towards greater gender balance, it is poised to become a model of success in women’s economic empowerment on a global scale.
