A Key Role in Leading The Country

The women of Bahrain live in a country that is far ahead of the Arab world in terms of freedom to run for office, work, learn, and travel. Women make up nearly half of private-sector employees and hold more than half of all managerial positions in the public sector. Bahrain has also realized success in narrowing the gender gap by 99% in education and by 96% in the health sector.

King Hamad has elevated women’s rights and equal opportunity as a key pillar of Bahrain’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Supreme Council for Women

The King’s wife, Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, is an active and strong supporter of women’s rights. In 2001, she formed the “Supreme Council for Women,” a group of 14 leading figures with experience in women’s issues. The group recommends policies on matters such as education, healthcare, economic advancement, media, culture, politics and foreign relations.

The King’s wife, Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa
Women in Parliamen

Women in Parliament

2018 was a historic year for Bahraini women in government. The number of women candidates doubled compared to the previous election. Six women were elected as legislators in the Council of Representatives, a record number in a record-breaking year.

Huda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo

Huda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo was the Arab world’s first Jewish ambassador to the United States. She served from 2008 to 2013 after serving for three years in Bahrain’s Parliament. Her leadership is a symbol of Bahrain’s interest in supporting dialogue on cultural acceptance and peace-building worldwide.

Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo