Minister of Labour: Joint national efforts have contributed to equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination against women

16-02-2023

H.E. Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan affirmed that the gains made by Bahraini women came in light of the support and encouragement they received from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the efforts of the prudent government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the tireless efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. The Bahraini women have also been able to enhance their high status at various development levels in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this context, the minister praised the joint national efforts that contributed to the consecration of fair opportunities and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Humaidan also praised the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain during the discussion of the fourth national report on the progress made in implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and supporting the advancement of women in all fields. On this occasion, Humaidan explained that the Ministry of Labour has taken many initiatives in this direction. The ministry has issued decrees prohibiting wage discrimination between male and female workers in the private sector who hold the same job when their working conditions are the same, as well as permitting women to work in all industries without imposing restrictions on the nature of the field of work. This is in addition, to focusing on granting working women special privileges with regard to the protection of maternity rights and employing women in occupations with night shifts in all jobs in which, all workers may work. This package of initiatives comes in implementation of the Labour Law in the Private Sector promulgated by Law No. (36) of 2012. Humaidan added that the ministry has also launched initiatives aimed at integrating Bahraini women into the labor market. The ministry has been able to make important strides in this path by raising the levels of women's employment, thanks to the provision of encouraging incentives and the creation of qualitative opportunities for females to work in institutions and companies. In this regard, His Excellency noted the initiative to employ women in part-time work, which was launched years ago. HE the Minister of Labour stressed that the Ministry is continuing its endeavors and active participation with various relevant authorities, foremost of which is the Supreme Council for Women. The ministry’s initiatives also aim to achieve more achievements in the field of the advancement of Bahraini women and encourage them to contribute effectively to increase productivity and development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.