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Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Rises 12 Spots in Global Gender Gap Report 2025
TDT | Manama Several members of Bahrain's Shura Council and Council of Representatives, along with civil society representatives, have affirmed that Bahrain's impressive progress in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum reflects the Kingdom's leading efforts in promoting equality, equal opportunities, and women's empowerment across all fields. They praised the positive indicators highlighted in the report, including the significant growth in Bahraini women's participation in the labor market and leadership roles. Bahrain's advancements in legislation supporting women's rights and full participation across various sectors demonstrate its commitment to positioning women as essential partners in nation-building. They emphasized that this success is not surprising but rather the result of sustainable policies and strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. Shura Council member and head of the legislative committee, Dalal Al Zayed, said that this progress stems from the wise vision and royal support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who champions Bahraini women's advancement, and the unwavering backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who has made women's empowerment a national priority. She added that Bahrain's policies and strategies aimed at increasing women's economic and political participation contributed significantly to this achievement. It reflects the country's practical commitment to gender equality and has strengthened women's presence in leadership and political life, with the Shura Council and Council of Representatives working together to align legislation with women's needs. Shura Council member Ali Abdullah Al Aradi expressed pride in Bahrain's leap in the report, describing it as international recognition of Bahrain's model for gender balance. He credited this to continued royal support and highlighted the deep-rooted political participation of Bahraini women, backed by many real-world examples. He also acknowledged the role of the Supreme Council for Women, under the leadership of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of the King. The Council has introduced initiatives like the National Gender Balance Model, which integrates women's needs into national development — gaining international praise. Shura Council member Talal Mohammed Al Mannai, Deputy Chair of the Services Committee, noted that Bahrain advanced 12 places in the 2025 report compared to 2024. He said this reflects progress in all sectors under the leadership of the King and the close follow-up by the Crown Prince. He praised the government's effective policies to empower women through education, training, and facilitating access to leadership positions. He stressed that this achievement supports Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5: Gender Equality. Bahrain is now among the leading nations globally on women's issues and empowerment. Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloom, MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Financial and Economic Committee, pointed out that Bahrain's gender gap score rose to 68.4% in 2025 from 66.6% in 2024, showing consistent improvement in women's empowerment, legislative development, and economic participation. He noted that women's issues are a top government priority under HRH the Crown Prince's leadership. He also highlighted Bahrain's ranking as second in the Gulf and Arab world, reflecting the country's commitment to investing in women's capabilities and ensuring their sustainable participation in national development. Ziba Askar, President of the Bahrain Investment Professionals Society, noted that Bahrain ranked first in the Gulf in economic participation and opportunities, gender income equality, and women ministers (21.7%). She said this showcases Bahrain's maturity and leadership in women's advancement, backed by decades of institutional support from the Supreme Council for Women and cooperation across sectors. She emphasized the importance of the World Economic Forum's report as a global benchmark for tracking women's participation and contributions to national development. Khalid Al Zayani, Honorary Chairman of Zayani Investments, said Bahrain's achievement in the 2025 report is another addition to its long record in women's empowerment and confirms Bahrain's global leadership in adopting best practices supporting women. He reminded that Bahrain was among the first countries to introduce formal education for girls in the 1920s, and Bahraini women have consistently excelled. He also highlighted the private sector's commitment to supporting women by providing equal work opportunities and promoting fairness, in line with the initiatives of the Supreme Council for Women.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Proposal to lower voting age shelved
Bahrain - A proposal to lower the voting age in Bahrain from 20 to 18 has been shelved indefinitely, just months before preparations ramp up for the 2026 parliamentary and municipal elections. No official reason was given for the decision to suspend the proposal. Leading the legislative effort was Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed alongside four other members. The proposed legislation sought to amend three core laws: The 2002 Political Rights Law, the 2002 Municipal Councils' Elections Law and the 2001 Municipal Law. The proposal was built on earlier reforms. In 2006, the Shura Council successfully advocated lowering the voting age from 21 to 20 – a measure later approved by Parliament and ratified by His Majesty King Hamad. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
