A forum to boost the economic empowerment of Bahraini women through sectoral analysis, digital transformation and policy alignment is set to be held in Bahrain today.
‘Al Nahdha Forum for the Economic Empowerment of Bahraini Women’ by the Bahrain Young Ladies Association (BYLA) will bring together change-makers across various sectors under one roof.
The event, at the InterContinental Bahrain, coincides with association’s 70th anniversary this year and will feature a keynote address from Supreme Council for Women (SCW) representative and engineer Mariam Jumaan.
Some of the topics to be highlighted at the forum will include economic policies to empower Bahraini women in the banking sector; technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation programmes and their influence on women in the labour market; the roles of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and private sector, and how civil society institutions can build a digital economy that supports women.
A BYLA representative will present a paper from a social viewpoint.
“The forum this year carries a bold and forward-looking vision: To transform the concept of women’s empowerment from rhetoric into actionable frameworks that shape Bahrain’s economic future,” forum committee head Zainab Alderazi told the GDN.
Ms Alderazi
“With a focus on sectoral analysis, digital transformation and policy alignment, it seeks to illuminate both the progress made and the structural gaps that persist in women’s participation across the labour market,” she added.
“Societal expectations often limit women’s career choices. Moreover, the disconnect between educational outcomes and labour market needs – particularly in digital competencies – hinders women’s ability to compete in emerging fields. These barriers are not merely statistical; they reflect deeper cultural and institutional dynamics that require sustained attention.
“Against this backdrop, the forum’s emphasis on the digital economy is both timely and strategic. Digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for women to engage in flexible, scalable and innovative economic activities. Whether through e-commerce, remote work or tech entrepreneurship, the digital space can serve as a powerful equaliser – provided women have access to the necessary skills, infrastructure and support systems. The forum calls for targeted investment in digital literacy and inclusive tech ecosystems that enable women to thrive.”
Established in 1955, BYLA is the first women’s organisation in the Gulf and was founded by a number of highly educated women led by the late Aisha Yateem, wife of the late prominent Bahraini businessman Hussain Yateem.
The association has been integral to propelling policy changes, giving Bahraini women a right to vote and contest municipality and parliamentary elections and more rights at the workplace for mothers, among others.
At present, there are around 70 members.
“Institutions and national bodies’ responsibilities extend beyond policy drafting to include data transparency, capacity building and accountability mechanisms. By generating disaggregated labour statistics, designing gender-responsive training programmes, and incentivising inclusive hiring practices, these entities can catalyse meaningful change. Collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector is essential to ensure that empowerment is not symbolic but structural,” Ms Alderazi added.
Ms Shareef
BYLA president Shahraban Shareef highlighted the association’s goals to empower Bahraini women by understanding and analysing their needs, and then proposing appropriate solutions.
“Empowering Bahraini women in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence has become a national necessity, as it opens up new horizons for creativity and innovation, contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of the economy and achieves sustainable development,” she said.
“Through the forum we hope to celebrate the achievements of Bahraini women in various fields and to emphasise their vital role in supporting the national economy and building a more prosperous future.”
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