Head Covering Customs For Foreign Women In Bahrain

Bahrain is a conservative society where most women are either hidden from view or, when in public, are expected to cover their heads and arms. This is indicative of the standards of dress expected in Bahrain and visitors are advised to refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing. Women in Bahrain are provided with freedom in every aspect of their life and their personal liberties are respected by the laws of Bahrain and Bahraini society. However, women in Bahrain face widespread discrimination within Bahraini society and the country's political institutions.

Foreign women are not required by law to cover their heads in Bahrain

Bahrain is a conservative society, and most local women are expected to cover their heads and arms when in public. As a visitor, it is respectful to follow certain guidelines when it comes to dressing appropriately. While you are not required to cover your head, it is recommended to carry a scarf that can be used when visiting religious sites or places where a covered head is required. Additionally, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers, or long skirts to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

It is worth noting that Bahrain is undergoing a period of instability, and it is always important to stay updated with news and media reports before and during your travel. As a woman travelling alone, you may become the subject of curiosity as it is not culturally acceptable in Bahrain. To avoid unwanted attention or questions, some women choose to wear a cheap wedding band or carry a photo of their "husband" or "children".

While Bahrain offers a wide range of opportunities for women in terms of education, career, and political participation, there are still areas where gender inequality persists. Women in Bahrain face widespread discrimination within society and political institutions, and there are no laws protecting them against domestic violence. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, and women's rights activists continue to work towards further advancements.

Overall, foreign women are not legally required to cover their heads in Bahrain, but it is important to be respectful of local cultural and religious norms by dressing modestly and adhering to certain guidelines.

Women in Bahrain are encouraged to cover their heads and arms and wear modest clothing

Women in Bahrain are encouraged to adhere to a conservative dress code, covering their heads and arms and wearing modest clothing. This is indicative of the societal expectations and standards of dress in the country, which visitors are advised to respect. While not a legal requirement, refraining from wearing tight or revealing clothes is generally recommended to avoid attracting unwanted attention or causing offence.

The traditional garments for women in Bahrain include the jellabiya, a long, loose dress that is commonly worn at home. In terms of head coverings, women may practice the muhtashima, which involves partially covering the hair, or the muhajiba, which is a full covering. These choices reflect personal preferences and interpretations of religious and cultural norms.

For foreign women visiting Bahrain, it is advisable to carry a scarf that can be used to cover the head when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved clothing, trousers, or longer skirts is suggested to align with the local customs. It is important to recognise that Bahrain is a conservative society, and most women are expected to adhere to these standards of modesty in public spaces.

While Bahrain has made significant progress in promoting women's rights and opportunities, there are still areas where gender inequality persists. Women have faced discrimination in various aspects of life, including political participation and the lack of legal protection against domestic violence. However, the country has taken steps towards empowering women, with the extension of equal political rights and the promotion of women to positions of authority within the government.

In summary, women in Bahrain are encouraged to cover their heads and arms and wear modest clothing. This reflects the cultural and religious norms of the country, and visitors are advised to respect these local traditions to foster a positive experience during their stay.

Women's rights in Bahrain have been a cornerstone of political reforms

However, the constitution also stated that "the family is the cornerstone of society, the strength of which lies in religion, ethics and patriotism." This means that while women are technically equal to men, the nation still believes in a traditional and conservative role for women. For example, there are no laws to protect women against domestic violence, and spousal rape is legal.

Despite these contradictions, women in Bahrain have made significant progress in education and employment. They were able to expand their roles and achieve careers in fields such as education, medicine, nursing, and banking. Bahrain was also the first Gulf state to have education for women, with the first secular school for women established in 1928. Today, women dominate the student population at universities, making up 72% of the students at Arabian Gulf University and 67% at the University of Bahrain.

In terms of employment, the Bahraini government encourages women to work and has implemented rules to incentivize companies to hire them. However, women still only make up around one-fifth of the working population due to social pressures to stay at home and take care of their families.

In politics, women gained the right to vote and stand in elections in 2002. However, they are underrepresented in decision-making positions, with only 15% of seats in parliament held by women as of February 2021.

In terms of dress code, Bahraini women may practice the muhtashima, partially covering the hair, or the muhajiba, fully covering the hair. Foreign women are generally expected to cover their heads and arms, and it is recommended to carry a scarf to use when visiting places of worship.

Women in Bahrain face gender inequality in many areas of life

Political Participation

In 2002, women gained the right to vote and stand as candidates in national elections. However, in the 2002 municipal and parliamentary elections, none of the female candidates were elected. In 2004, Bahrain appointed its first female minister, and as of February 2021, only 15% of seats in parliament were held by women.

Legal Protection

There are no laws in Bahrain to protect women against domestic violence. In addition, there is no unified personal status law covering matters such as divorce and child custody, leaving these decisions to the discretion of Sharia judges.

Economic Opportunities

While women in Bahrain have expanded their roles and achieved careers in various fields, there are still gender data gaps in key areas such as the gender pay gap and women's access to assets.

Social Life

Bahrain is a conservative society where most women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public. Women traveling alone may face unwanted attention, as it is not culturally acceptable. Alcohol consumption is frowned upon, and the focus is on family life, with women expected to have husbands and children.

Women in Bahrain have opportunities in education, medicine, nursing, and other industries

Women in Bahrain are provided with freedoms and liberties in all aspects of their lives, including education, work, healthcare, welfare, and employment. While Bahrain is a conservative society, women have had opportunities to move away from traditional roles and pursue careers in fields like education, medicine, nursing, and other health-related jobs.

Bahrain was the first Gulf state to offer education for women, with the first secular school for women, Al-Khadija Al-Kubra, established in 1928. Since then, women have been able to study abroad and take up scholarships for higher education. They have also been able to practise medicine and related fields, with the first hospital-based nursing school founded in 1959. Women have gone on to become department heads, deans, and professors. They have also taken on leadership roles in government, with Bahrain being the first GCC country to have women in high government rankings, including ministers and ambassadors.

Women make up a significant proportion of the healthcare workforce in Bahrain, and their contribution to the medical field is notable. They have held leadership positions and excelled in academic positions, with female Bahraini physicians even surpassing their male counterparts in some specialities. However, women still face challenges in reaching the highest leadership positions due to various societal and cultural factors.

While women in Bahrain have opportunities in education and various industries, they may still face some societal restrictions and discrimination in their career choices and advancement. Social norms may prevent them from entering fields considered masculine, and they are often absent from leadership positions, especially in academia. Despite these challenges, women in Bahrain continue to make strides towards equality and representation in various sectors.

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