A new book documenting the remarkable economic journey of Bahraini women, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, was launched yesterday during a gala ceremony organised by Bahrain Journalists’ Association (BJA).
The launch coincided with the BJA’s national celebration marking the silver jubilee of the public vote on the National Action Charter.
Titled Bahraini Women and the National Economy: From Empowerment to Influence in the Era of His Majesty The King, the book is authored by prominent Bahraini writer and economic expert Noora Al Faihani.
It presents a comprehensive, data-backed documentation of the evolving role of Bahraini women in the economic sphere, charting their transition from empowerment to tangible influence across key financial and business sectors.
The ceremony, at the Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay, was attended by His Majesty King Hamad’s media adviser Nabeel Al Hamer, BJA president Isa Al Shaiji, Information Ministry Organisational Affairs director Shaikh Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, editors-in-chief, journalists, media professionals and invited guests.
The book highlights Bahraini women’s emergence as active partners in development and nation-building.
It focuses on women’s expanding participation in banking, finance, entrepreneurship, investment, labour unions and economic decision-making, supported by statistical indicators and documented milestones.
Ms Al Faihani places special emphasis on the impact of the kingdom’s forward-looking leadership, crediting the Royal vision of His Majesty for laying the foundations of equality of opportunity and institutional empowerment.
The book also highlights the close follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing policies that enhance women’s economic participation, as well as the pioneering initiatives led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and Supreme Council for Women president.
Through case studies and national indicators, the publication illustrates how legislative reforms, national strategies and institutional programmes have translated into higher employment rates for women, increased representation in leadership positions, and a growing number of women-owned enterprises contributing to Bahrain’s GDP.
The author, who is widely recognised for her dual background in journalism and economics, brings a unique perspective to the work.
Ms Al Faihani previously made history as the first president of the Bahrain Bankers’ Trade Union and the first president of the Arab Federation of Workers in Banking, Financial Businesses, Commerce and Insurance.
She is also a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism for Best Opinion Writer.
In a statement during the event, Mr Al Shaiji said the book represents an important addition to Bahrain’s national library.
“It documents a success story that deserves to be told – the story of Bahraini women who have moved from the margins to the heart of economic development,” he said.
“This publication reflects the achievements of the reform project and the space it created for women to flourish.”
The launch formed part of the association’s broader efforts to celebrate national milestones and support intellectual and journalistic production that documents Bahrain’s modern history.
Several guests at the event praised the book for offering a clear chronological account of women’s economic progress, supported by figures, official reports and testimonies, making it a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and the wider public.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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