Geneve,
(BNA): MP Maryam Saleh Al Dhaen participated in a session titled “The Impact of Gender-Equal Nationality Laws on Sustainable Development.” This session was part of the Global Summit of Multiple Stakeholders on Promoting Gender Equality in National Laws, held in Geneva on December 10-11.
The summit was organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Women, the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights, and the Equality Now organisation.
Al Dhaen highlighted the notable progress of Bahraini women in the public, political, economic, social, and sports sectors, attributing this success to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government’s efforts led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
She also commended the initiatives of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of HM the King, which have strengthened women’s roles as key contributors to Bahrain’s development.
Al Dhaen noted that women represent 43% of the national workforce, reflecting their growing participation in both the public and private sectors. In government, women occupy 48% of senior executive positions and 64% of specialised roles, showcasing their leadership and expertise.
In politics, women’s representation in Bahrain’s legislative authority has increased significantly over the past two decades, rising from 8% in 2002 to 23% in 2022. Women now hold 25% of seats in the Shura Council and 20% in the Council of Representatives. Similarly, in municipal councils, women achieved an 18% representation in the 2022 elections.
Al Dhaen emphasised the achievements of women in the executive branch, where their representation in ministerial positions has nearly quadrupled to 22% as of 2022. In diplomacy, women now account for 37% of the diplomatic force, according to statistics from the second quarter of 2023, while their presence in the judiciary has reached 11% of the total number of judges.
She also highlighted the success of Bahraini women in commerce and entrepreneurship, with their economic participation rising to 35%. This demonstrates their increasing competitiveness and influence in driving Bahrain’s economic growth.
Al Dhaen commended the resilience, determination, and abilities of Bahraini women, underscoring their role in the nation’s development and their growing contributions to key sectors.
