Bahrain’s Housing Services for Women: A Step Towards Empowerment
The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) recently organized a workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to introduce housing laws and services aimed at Bahraini women. The workshop was attended by approximately 70 women from various civil society organizations, with the goal of raising awareness about the housing facilities available to women in accordance with current regulations and laws. Professor Lulwa bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Acting Secretary-General of the SCW, highlighted the importance of increasing awareness about housing services for Bahraini women to enhance community and family stability in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The workshop marked the beginning of a series of awareness initiatives planned by the Supreme Council for Women to support Bahraini women in accessing housing services. The SCW is committed to promoting stability for women through initiatives that ensure decent living conditions, supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The issuance of laws and legislation supporting women’s right to obtain adequate housing, along with the development of various policies, have led to real projects benefiting Bahraini women and empowering them in society.
Donia Faisal Sarhan, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Information at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, emphasized the government’s commitment to including Bahraini women among the beneficiaries of housing services. The Ministry continuously reviews the requirements to meet women’s housing needs and discusses specific policies and programmes aimed at facilitating their access to appropriate housing options. The diversity of financing services provided by the Ministry through the “Tas’heel” financing umbrella, as well as Eskan Bank and other financing banks, offers various options for women and all citizens.
Mervat Al-Dosari, Head of the Communications directorate at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, presented on the financing services available to Bahraini women, including the “Tas’heel” financing umbrella and various programmes such as “Tas’heel Aqari” and “Tas’heel Al Bait Al Oud.” Khalid Al Khaja, Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing at Eskan Bank, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to provide flexible and diverse housing services to meet the needs of Bahraini women. The Ministry has also made recent developments in its website and digital availability of housing services, streamlining procedures for citizens.
The workshop concluded with attendees praising the efforts to ensure that Bahraini women benefit from the social services provided to all citizens. They also raised inquiries during the session, which were addressed, demonstrating the commitment of the Supreme Council for Women and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to supporting women in accessing housing services. Through collaborative efforts and initiatives, Bahrain is taking significant steps towards empowering women and promoting their integration into society, ensuring justice, equality, and stability for all Bahraini women.
