BAHRAIN has set up a world-class ecosystem for aspiring women entrepreneurs, and it’s up to them to ‘break their barriers’ and succeed.
That was the message highlighted by Supreme Council for Women (SCW) member and businessperson Afnan Al Zayani during the Rotary International 8th District 2452 Conference yesterday.
She said Bahraini women were key contributors to the economy and national development.
“Bahraini women’s participation in the national development stands at 52 per cent,” said Ms Al Zayani.
“Their participation in the public sector is 53pc and they hold 36pc of executive positions.
“In the private sector, Bahraini women comprise 35pc and hold 34pc of supervisory and higher positions.
“A total of 43pc of Commercial Registration (CR) holders are Bahraini women and their investments in Bahrain Bourse is 28pc.”
She added that Bahraini women formed 23pc of the Shura Council and 15pc of the elected Parliament.
Furthermore, Ms Al Zayani said the SCW continued to monitor legislations and policies to provide equal opportunities for both women and men.
“Bahrain has set a strong model for the region and the Supreme Council for Women has become a national and regional centre for expertise in issues related to women.
“There is no excuse for women not to succeed because we have a perfect ecosystem for future leaders ... they just need to break their own barrier.”
Ms Al Zayani cited initiatives such as the establishment of the Women in Fintech Committee, the Riyadat Finance Scheme, a portfolio dedicated to Bahraini women-owned businesses, and the Bahraini female entrepreneur’s honour seal for young women.
“Bahrain was the first country last year to launch the work-from-home programme for Bahraini mothers in the public sector, through a royal directive, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The SCW member said they were working on several programmes to help individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and it includes psychological, and social support for family members.
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