A NEW study aimed at reviewing – and highlighting – women’s participation in the private and public sectors in Bahrain will be launched soon.
The Washington DC-based Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars has been commissioned to conduct the survey by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW).
Under an agreement, signed by the two entities at the SCW headquarters in Wadi Sail yesterday, the research is expected to be ready by late next year.
“The centre will have full access to information regarding women’s participation in all forms of life in Bahrain,” said SCW secretary general Hala Al Ansari.
“The research will focus on studies, exchange of expertise and assessing progress in gender equality.”
She clarified that the centre will not train any women election candidates, or have any influence on pushing women or promoting them in public life.
“The centre was brought in for its unbiased approach to issues.
“It is more about reducing the gender gap through an objective assessment as we push ahead with our strategies first introduced 15 years ago.”
Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) chairman Dr Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said transparency meant presenting Bahrain’s gender equality through unbiased reports.
“The centre is independent and will not be forced to showcase what is not real, and having them here is a step forward and boon to women’s empowerment.”
Meanwhile, centre president Mark Green said it was set to tell true stories of gender equality in Bahrain.
“We are more interested about Bahrain’s journey in women’s participation in the public and private sectors to help tell the true story.
“People back in Washington don’t know Bahrain as well as they should and I have learned a lot just from my short time here.
“Through our research we intend to break barriers and achieve breakthrough conclusions on future steps that Bahrain is interested to take.”
He added that women’s leadership in Parliament reflected a hugely successful example.
Meanwhile, the centre’s Middle East Programme director Merrisa Khurma, who is also project director, said the report was expected to be ready by September or October next year.
“We are dedicated to highlight the voice of women in Bahrain as successful models in the region, while also shedding light on the challenges, whether in public life or political participation.
“We will be closely watching Bahrain’s national elections next year, especially women’s participation and their feedback.
“We are also interested in women entrepreneurs who we see as a driving force to progress.”
SCW assistant secretary general Shaikha Deena bint Rashid Al Khalifa briefed the US delegation on the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women.
In 2018, the Cabinet approved the National Gender Balance report to measure the impact of policies aimed to promote gender balance. Bahrain currently has six elected women MPs, including Speaker Fouzia Zainal, four elected women municipal councillors, nine women appointed as members of the Shura Council and one minister, Faeqa Al Saleh (Health).
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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