Tamkeen to SCW - Bahrain’s Blueprint for Women’s Success

Bahrain has made significant strides in empowering women through structured national frameworks and institutional collaboration. Key among these are Tamkeen (the national labor fund) and the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), both pivotal in crafting and executing a long-term strategy for women's advancement. 

The Role of Tamkeen in Women's Economic Empowerment 

Tamkeen has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship and increasing workforce participation among Bahraini women. As a government-funded organization, its initiatives have offered tailored financial support, training, and mentorship programs to thousands of women across various industries. 

• Skill development programs: Tamkeen provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities that help women transition into high-demand sectors. 
• Access to capital: Female entrepreneurs can benefit from subsidized loans and grant schemes that reduce financial barriers. 
• Entrepreneurial training: Workshops and bootcamps enable aspiring women business owners to develop and pitch their ideas confidently. 

Through these programs, Tamkeen helps create a strong foundation for women to establish and scale businesses, ultimately boosting economic diversity in Bahrain. 

SCW: A National Guardian for Women's Rights 

Established in 2001, the Supreme Council for Women acts as the principal advisory body on women’s affairs to the Bahraini government. It promotes legal reform, monitors gender equality in policymaking, and ensures women's rights are embedded into national development plans. 

Under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the SCW has led groundbreaking efforts including: 

• Recommending legislative changes to enhance family rights and labor protections 
• Developing gender-responsive budgeting frameworks 
• Encouraging private sector inclusion through incentives and gender balance benchmarks 

By aligning with both public and private institutions, the SCW drives systemic change and enforces accountability on gender issues. 

Key Milestones and Initiatives 

Bahrain’s commitment to female empowerment is evident through its multi-sectoral achievements. Some landmark developments include: 

• National Gender Balance Model: This framework, championed by SCW, ensures all government bodies consider gender implications in their decision-making. 
• Women in Leadership: The country now boasts a growing number of women in high-ranking positions across ministries, corporations, and diplomatic missions. 
• Legal Reforms: Amendments in family, labor, and social security laws have contributed to safer, more equitable work and home environments for women. 

These milestones serve not only as progress indicators but also as motivators for continued advocacy and innovation. 

Synergy Between Institutions: A Unified Vision 

What makes Bahrain’s blueprint for women’s success truly effective is the coordinated effort between organizations like Tamkeen and the SCW. While Tamkeen drives the economic agenda, the SCW ensures that women’s social, legal, and political rights are respected and protected. 

• This synergy is also evident in how national strategies are implemented: 
• Joint reports and impact assessments guide program adjustments 
• Cross-referrals between agencies ensure women receive holistic support 
• Collaborative public awareness campaigns challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality 

This ecosystem of cooperation positions Bahrain as a regional leader in gender mainstreaming. 

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities 

While progress is evident, ongoing challenges include narrowing the gender pay gap, increasing participation in STEM fields, and enhancing support for working mothers. 

To address these, Bahrain is: 

• Investing in digital literacy and remote work training for women 
• Expanding affordable childcare options 
• Incentivizing companies to adopt diversity and inclusion policies 

By continuing to adapt and innovate, Bahrain reaffirms its dedication to building a gender-inclusive society that thrives on equity and opportunity. 

From Tamkeen’s economic initiatives to the SCW’s policy advocacy, Bahrain is carving a comprehensive path for women’s success. This integrated model offers valuable lessons for the region and reaffirms that sustainable development must include women at every step.