Equal Opportunities in the Workplace

Bahrain began addressing the low level of Bahraini women’s participation in the Kingdom’s development in 1975. Several international conferences followed focusing on the issue, with several initiatives launched to make women’s participation more common and accepted by society. There was growing interest in the adoption of new ideas about the roles of both men and women, moving beyond merely looking at women playing a part in development into considering them an essential force, capable of change, progress, and improvement.

The Supreme Council for Women prioritizes women’s needs, ensuring equal opportunities through the development and implementation of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. This aligns with its mandate to "empower women to fully participate in public life and integrate their needs into development programs without discrimination." In 2010, the Council introduced the "National Model for Integrating Women's Needs into Development," which outlines strategies and mechanisms to advance women's rights and gender equality.

Equal Opportunities Committees in the Public Sector

In 2013, the Civil Service Bureau established permanent Equal Opportunities committees across government entities. By 2014, the Civil Service Bureau issued directives to formalize these committees' roles in setting standards and criteria to ensure equal opportunity principles and address women's needs. They also oversee the implementation process and offer consultations in coordination with the Supreme Council for Women and the Civil Service Bureau, as outlined by civil service laws and regulations. Their duties include:

• Promoting equal opportunities in recruitment, training, scholarships, and career advancement, with a focus on working women’s needs.
• Integrating women’s needs into government policies, plans, and budgets according to the equal opportunities framework.
• Improving employees skills to incorporate women’s needs in line with equal opportunities frameworks.
• Improving women’s status and working conditions in government entities and addressing implementation challenges.
• Supporting and reinforcing the Supreme Council for Women’s efforts to advance equal opportunities and integrate women’s needs into government programs, in line with the National Plan for Advancing Bahraini Women.
• Supporting the Supreme Council for Women’s efforts to advance equal opportunities and integrate women’s needs in line with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women.
• Ensuring that all beneficiaries of government services receive equal opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Committees in the Private Sector

The private sector is increasingly hiring Bahraini women and plays a key role in implementing the National Gender Balance Model. Many companies have integrated women's needs into their operations or launched supportive initiatives, as demonstrated by their strong participation in the Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Bahraini Women Advancement. These organizations are committed to upholding equal opportunity principles by offering supportive services and flexible work arrangements that balance family stability with professional growth.

Equal Opportunities Committees were established in Bahrain's Council of Representatives and Shura Council in 2011 and 2012, respectively. In 2022, these committees were renamed Gender Balance Committees. Their main responsibilities include integrating women's needs and promoting gender balance within both councils, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Women, to implement the National Gender Balance Model.

Various civil society organizations have implemented the National Model by:

• Applying gender balance principles and integrating women’s needs into their operations and systems.
• Assessing women's professional status, identifying challenges and opportunities, providing recommendations, and raising awareness through guidance and mentorship with relevant entities.
• Promoting cultural change that supports gender balance.

For more information on equal opportunities for women (Arabic only) in the Kingdom’s legislative fields and civil society.