Legislators have approved a proposal to set up a girls-only college at Bahrain University.
The proposal, led by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Bader Al Tamimi, was passed narrowly by 18 to 17 votes yesterday.
Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam abstained from voting, although his rejection could have led to a tie.
MPs behind the proposal argue that gender segregation could enhance academic performance and reduce distractions for students.
“The goal is to create a learning atmosphere that allows students of both genders to excel without unnecessary distractions,” Mr Al Tamimi said during the session. “This would benefit students academically, socially and even psychologically,” he added.
Proponents of the idea also argue that a girls-only college would appeal to families who prioritise gender-segregated education for cultural or religious reasons.
They believe it would encourage more women to pursue higher education, particularly those who may be hesitant to enrol in a coeducational institution.
However, critics including the Education Ministry, the Supreme Council for Women and the Bahrain Women Association for Human Development argued that establishing a girls-only college could lead to unnecessary duplication of resources and undermine efforts to promote gender equality.
“This move might unintentionally reinforce stereotypes and segregation instead of encouraging a more inclusive and diverse learning environment,” said the Education Ministry.
“Coeducation prepares students for real-world experiences where men and women work side by side in professional settings.”
Detractors have also raised concerns about the financial implications of creating a separate college, including the need for additional infrastructure, faculty and administrative support.
MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh ridiculed the proposal suggesting that such segregation could be enforced even in jobs and Parliament.
“We are a respectable society in which males and females respect each other,” he said, highlighting that 90 per cent of the top students in universities were females.
MP Zainab Abdulamir said the reasons cited for lack of concentration among female students constituted ‘an insult’ for women.
Bahrain University currently operates as a coeducational institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Other proposals approved yesterday include:
- Establishing a women-only multi-purpose centre.
- Issuing clear guidelines and bylaws for the 2018 Bankruptcy Law.
- Cracking down on runaways, mainly housemaids. Labour Market Regulatory Authority chief executive Nibras Talib replied that such violations had significantly reduced to just 2.28pc of the total work permits over the last four years. However, Mr Qarata said MPs were still being bombarded with claims about runaways, notably days before or during Ramadan.
- Allocating a plot for Saddad Youth Empowerment Centre.
- Separating the finances of husband from wife when applying for a housing service.
The proposals will now be reviewed by the Cabinet.
Top stories for today:
Airlines see growth in 2025 despite supply chain issues
Decree issued on salaries of government officials
Science talent search contest results announced
&uuid=(email))