MLSD Minister: The decree consolidates women's rights and enhances their role in the private sector

05-08-2021

His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the issuance of Legislative Law No. 16 of 2021 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, with respect to amending certain provisions of Law No. 36 of 2012 Promulgating the Labour Law in the Private Sector, by adding a second paragraph to Article 39, which prohibits discrimination in wages between male and female workers performing work of equal value. He noted that the amendment reflects His Majesty’s commitment to consolidating equality and safeguarding the rights of all workers without discrimination, a principle that Bahrain has long entrenched within its human‑rights framework and codified through legislation, consistent with Article 18 of the Constitution, which stipulates that "People are equal in human dignity, and citizens are equal before the law in public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination among them on the basis of sex, origin, language, religion or creed." Humaidan pointed out that this amendment upholds equality and justice, strengthens the rights of working women, and enhances the role of Bahraini women, especially within productive sectors, motivating them to participate in the workforce. He noted that the decree forms part of a series of national measures aimed at preventing discrimination between women and men in the workplace. The Minister also affirmed that the new article is legally binding on all establishments operating in the Kingdom of Bahrain, adding that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will, through its oversight of the Labour Law, verify compliance via established mechanisms. He urged all employers to align their wage structures with the Royal Decree’s provisions and confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to provide guidance to any establishment that requires assistance. Humaidan praised His Majesty the King for issuing the decree prohibiting wage discrimination between male and female workers. Humaidan stresses decree consolidates women’s rights and enhances their role in the private sector His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the issuance of Legislative Law No. 16 of 2021 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, with respect to amending certain provisions of Law No. 36 of 2012 Promulgating the Labour Law in the Private Sector, by adding a second paragraph to Article 39, which prohibits discrimination in wages between male and female workers performing work of equal value. He noted that the amendment reflects His Majesty’s commitment to consolidating equality and safeguarding the rights of all workers without discrimination, a principle that Bahrain has long entrenched within its human‑rights framework and codified through legislation, consistent with Article 18 of the Constitution, which stipulates that "People are equal in human dignity, and citizens are equal before the law in public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination among them on the basis of sex, origin, language, religion or creed." Humaidan pointed out that this amendment upholds equality and justice, strengthens the rights of working women, and enhances the role of Bahraini women, especially within productive sectors, motivating them to participate in the workforce. He noted that the decree forms part of a series of national measures aimed at preventing discrimination between women and men in the workplace. The Minister also affirmed that the new article is legally binding on all establishments operating in the Kingdom of Bahrain, adding that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will, through its oversight of the Labour Law, verify compliance via established mechanisms. He urged all employers to align their wage structures with the Royal Decree’s provisions and confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to provide guidance to any establishment that requires assistance.