Councillors are once again getting hot under the collar over male employees working in stores selling abayas and underwear to women.
A renewed municipal drive to restrict male employment in women-focused retail outlets is gaining traction, reigniting debate over cultural norms, consumer comfort and female employment in Bahrain.
The proposal, spearheaded by the Muharraq and Southern Municipal Councils, calls for banning men from shops selling women’s clothing, tailoring services and accessories, particularly those dealing with ‘traditional or intimate wear’.
While the Industry and Commerce Ministry has been notified, the matter has now been referred directly to the Cabinet due to differences of opinion over the proposal.
Supporters say the move responds to ‘growing public concern’ and aims to prioritise job opportunities for Bahraini women, while critics warn against excessive regulation of private businesses.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, leading the initiative, said the proposal was based on repeated feedback from families and female shoppers.
“These jobs are female-oriented, yet unfortunately we still see male workers assisting women in these shops,” Mr Al Naar said.
“Some female shoppers feel embarrassed and leave, even if they had every intention to buy.”
He stressed that the proposal was not intended to stigmatise male workers.
“We are not trying to demonise men,” he said. “But we must acknowledge cultural realities and personal comfort.
“If a woman walks into a shop selling traditional or intimate clothing and is assisted by a male employee, she may feel uneasy. That is a legitimate concern.”
Mr Al Naar said the measure also aimed to tackle unemployment among Bahraini women.
“There are many capable Bahraini women actively seeking work,” he said. “This sector is ideal for them, yet some employers still favour men, claiming they don’t take maternity leave or need flexible hours.
“In my opinion, that is not just unfair – it is discriminatory.”
The issue is not new. In 2017, a similar proposal by the Muharraq council to restrict staffing in lingerie sections to women was rejected by the Cabinet, with objections centred on business freedom and staffing flexibility.
Mr Al Naar said such arguments overlook social realities.
“We are not talking about hardware stores or cafés,” he said. “These are sensitive, gender-specific retail spaces. Public comfort must come before commercial convenience.”
If approved, the move could set a precedent for staffing policies in female-oriented retail outlets across Bahrain, with enforcement mechanisms and implementation details to be determined at a later stage.
“This is not about exclusion,” Mr Al Naar said. “It is about inclusion – giving Bahraini women opportunities in spaces where they are most appropriate and most needed.”
The Southern Municipal Council voiced firm support for the proposal.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said women-only retail environments should reflect both customer comfort and national employment priorities.
“When the target customers are women, it makes sense socially and professionally for women to work in these outlets,” Mr Abdullatif said. “This proposal supports Bahraini women and respects community values at the same time.”
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber board member MP Ahmed Al Salloom acknowledged the cultural logic behind the proposal, but urged balance.
“The obvious solution is to employ female staff in women’s shops,” Mr Al Salloom said. “However, we must also recognise that this remains a business decision, and excessive regulation could create challenges for the private sector.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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