Bahrain Rises 12 Spots in Global Gender Gap Report 2025
Bahrain has climbed an impressive 12 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women across all sectors.
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Several members of Bahrain’s Shura Council and Council of Representatives, alongside civil society leaders, celebrated the achievement, calling it a clear reflection of Bahrain’s strategic vision to advance women’s roles in the workforce, politics, and leadership.
A National Priority Backed by Royal Vision
Shura Council member and head of the legislative committee, Dalal Al Zayed, attributed the progress to the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the strong support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She emphasized that women’s empowerment has long been a national priority, and Bahrain’s practical, forward-thinking policies have helped pave the way for women’s increased participation in both political and economic life.
Women at the Heart of Nation-Building
The report highlighted notable growth in Bahraini women's labor force participation and presence in leadership roles. Shura Council member Ali Abdullah Al Aradi called the leap in rankings international recognition of Bahrain’s inclusive approach to governance. He praised Bahrain’s homegrown model of gender balance, further strengthened by initiatives from the Supreme Council for Women, led by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. One such initiative, the National Gender Balance Model, ensures that women’s needs are integrated into all aspects of national development.
Driving Change Through Policy and Collaboration
Deputy Chair of the Shura Council’s Services Committee, Talal Mohammed Al Mannai, said Bahrain’s jump in the 2025 report demonstrates progress across the board. He credited this success to the government’s targeted strategies around education, training, and leadership opportunities for women, in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality.
MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloom, Chair of the Parliamentary Financial and Economic Committee, revealed that Bahrain’s overall gender gap score improved from 66.6% in 2024 to 68.4% in 2025. Bahrain is now ranked second in the Gulf and Arab world, solidifying its status as a regional leader in women’s empowerment.
Private Sector Joins the Effort
Ziba Askar, President of the Bahrain Investment Professionals Society, noted that Bahrain led the Gulf in economic participation, gender income equality, and the percentage of women ministers (21.7%). She praised decades of institutional support and cross-sector collaboration, particularly the work of the Supreme Council for Women.
Khalid Al Zayani, Honorary Chairman of Zayani Investments, echoed this sentiment. He pointed out Bahrain’s historical commitment to women’s rights, dating back to the introduction of girls’ education in the 1920s. He also highlighted the private sector’s role in promoting equal opportunities and fair workplace practices.
A Model for the Region
Bahrain’s strong showing in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report confirms the country’s growing global reputation for gender inclusion. With continued collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector, Bahrain is proving that gender equality is not just a goal but a reality in progress.