MLSD Minister: Bahraini women have proven their ability and superiority in all fields of work at the national and diplomatic levels
30-11-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, extended his sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, may God protect her, and to all Bahraini women and the wider Bahraini society on the celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day, 1 December. He stressed that this day honours every Bahraini woman and crowns women’s contributions in all fields, embodying their giving spirit and active role in the nation’s renaissance. In this context, he praised the selection of “Women in Diplomatic Work” as this year’s theme, recognising Bahraini women’s achievements and the senior diplomatic posts through which they have represented the Kingdom on the international stage. Humaidan affirmed that the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, has been pivotal in advancing women’s empowerment and in implementing the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, alongside numerous national initiatives. He also highlighted the unlimited support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, may God protect him, who continues to place women’s advancement at the forefront of the Government’s priorities. Thanks to sustained leadership support, Bahraini women now occupy diverse leadership, diplomatic and decision‑making positions, partnering with men in building modern Bahrain. Women constitute over 50 % of Bahraini employees in the public sector, 35 % in the private sector, and 43 % of commercial record holders. Moreover, women make up 78 % of home‑business owners under the Ministry’s “Khatwa” programme, which aims at economic empowerment. In civil society, the number of women’s associations has doubled to 21, actively defending women’s rights with strong state backing. Humaidan lauded Bahraini women’s diplomatic milestones—among them Bahrain’s non‑permanent seat on the UN Security Council in the mid‑1990s and the 2006 presidency of the UN General Assembly by Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, the first Arab and Muslim woman and only the third woman globally to hold that post. He also cited ambassadors Alice Samaan, Houda Nonoo, Bibi Al Alawi and Bahia Al Jishi, as well as the appointment of Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa as the Arab world’s first female Under‑Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Humaidan underscored the Ministry’s commitment to the Equal Opportunities Project, noting that it was among the first entities to form an Equal Opportunities Committee, earning fourth place out of 37 Civil Service Bureau entities in the 2019 Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. In recognition of women’s pivotal role in community development, the Ministry continues to support Bahraini women through social‑security assistance, family and childhood services, and training, employment and unemployment‑insurance programmes. These efforts helped raise women’s share of new private-sector jobs from 25% four years ago to 48% in 2020. Bahrain’s second-place global ranking among the top 10 countries for women to work in (Forbes, May 2020) adds to its stellar labour and business record. The report noted that 66 % of Bahraini women are satisfied with their career prospects, reflecting a safe and supportive work environment buttressed by labour legislation providing equal career opportunities, including Bahrain’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 111 on non‑discrimination in employment (Employment and Occupation). Humaidan emphasised that Bahrain’s progressive labour laws have strengthened women’s presence in production and development sectors, creating an attractive work environment that safeguards privacy and promotes part‑time options compatible with family responsibilities while retaining full employment rights. He highlighted government incentives—including financing programmes for SMEs and support for productive‑family initiatives—that facilitate women’s entry and growth in business. His Excellency concluded by reaffirming that the Ministry will continue launching qualitative initiatives to enhance equal opportunities for Bahraini women, building on past successes and advancing the Kingdom’s comprehensive development under the leadership of His Majesty the King and his judicious Government.