The topic of women’s empowerment is very much in the news at the moment. We have the “Me Too” movement, sparked by sexual harassment and assault in Hollywood, that swiftly progressed to “Time’s Up” which saw wealthy and privileged women coming together to pledge support, finance and, more importantly, a voice to women at the lower end of the power spectrum.
Across the causeway in Saudi Arabia, it is a time of momentous change. Women will soon be able to drive, a basic freedom they have been demanding for years, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has very publicly stated that the decision to cover should be the woman’s own, rather than dictated by society.
Here, in Bahrain, women’s empowerment is also on the agenda with both Bahrainis and expats working to close the gender gap. For this special feature we spoke to women across the board and also highlight organisations which are at the forefront of the push for equality and social change, from the charity-conscious St Christopher’s School mums to the brave boxer babes, who’ll be getting in the ring to challenge a sporting stereotype.
We’ve also partnered with Bahrain’s inaugural Women Power Summit, which is bringing together a vast range of inspiring female speakers who’ll take part in discussions, seminars and workshops during a two-day event which will give 500-plus attendees the chance to pitch business ideas, learn how to get their own projects off the ground and meet potential mentors. This feature includes highlights of the programme and can find out more on the activities at www.womenpower-summit.com
Women In Bahrain
The Supreme Council for Women, Bahrain’s advisory body to the government on women’s issues, was established in 2001. It is chaired by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Under the King’s political reforms women gained the right to vote and stand as candidates in national elections after the constitution was amended in 2002.
No women were elected in the first instance but six were later appointed to the Shura Council, Parliament’s upper chamber.
In 2004, Dr Nada Haffadh became the Kingdom’s first female minister.
In 2005, Dr Fatima Albalooshi, the second woman minister, was appointed to the cabinet.
The Royal University for Women – the first university in the Kingdom dedicated solely to women’s education, was established in 2005.
In April 2005, Shura member Alees Samaan became the first woman to chair a parliamentary session in the Arab world when she chaired the Shura Council.
In June 2006, Bahrain was elected head of the United Nations General Assembly and appointed Shaikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa to the role of assembly president – the first Middle Eastern woman and only the third woman in history to hold the position.
Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo served as Bahraini Ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2013 – the first Jewish person and the third woman to be appointed ambassador by the Kingdom .
