MPs have renewed calls to increase the number of government apartments allocated to divorced, abandoned, widowed and single women.
The proposal has been submitted by five legislators led by Strategic Thinking Bloc MP Bassema Mubarak, who has stressed the need to strengthen housing protection for vulnerable groups.
It has received unanimous backing from Parliament’s public utilities and environment committee, which described the move as a matter of pressing social interest.
Ms Mubarak said the proposal was driven by the growing demand for safe and affordable housing among women classified under Category Five of the housing system.
“Housing is not just a roof over one’s head, it is the foundation of dignity, stability and security,” she said. “Divorced, widowed, abandoned and single women often face unique social and financial pressures, and the state has a responsibility to ensure they are not left vulnerable.”
Under existing regulations, Category Five women are eligible for housing support, but MPs argue that the number of apartments allocated to this group remains insufficient, particularly as family support networks weaken or disappear over time.
“Some women lose family support entirely or cannot rely on relatives for long-term accommodation,” Ms Mubarak said. “Expanding the number of units gives them independence and peace of mind, and protects them from instability.”
The Housing and Urban Planning Ministry told the public utilities and environment committee that it is already addressing the needs of Category Five applicants through the Masaken project in East Hidd Town – the first housing initiative dedicated specifically to this group.
The ministry said the project, launched in co-operation with the Supreme Council for Women, provides modern apartments designed to improve quality of life, and reflects the government’s commitment to Bahraini women.
However, supporters of the proposal assert that demand continues to outpace supply, making further expansion necessary.
The Bahrain Women’s Union strongly endorsed the proposal, saying that suitable housing for divorced, abandoned, widowed and single women preserves dignity, strengthens families and contributes to psychological and social stability.
&uuid=(email))