Lyla Lindsey
Women in Bahrain are afforded freedoms in every aspect of their lives, and their personal liberties are respected by both the laws of Bahrain and Bahraini society. Opportunities for women to work and live are widely available across all positions and industries. However, Bahrain is a conservative society, and women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public. Women travellers should be mindful of cultural differences and dress accordingly. While crime rates are generally low, there have been reports of unlicensed taxi drivers harassing women at night, and women should be vigilant of offers of free visas and visa waivers which may not be genuine, as the sex industry in Bahrain is underground and unregulated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety for women travellers | Rated as medium risk by travel advice websites, but generally considered safe. |
| Women's rights | Women gained the right to vote in 2001 and the right to stand in national elections in 2002. There are no laws to protect women against domestic violence. |
| Women's employment | Women are free to work in all positions and industries. |
| Women's dress code | Women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public. Visitors should refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing. |
| Women's social norms | Women are expected to have husbands and children. Travelling alone is not considered culturally acceptable. |
Women's rights in Bahrain
In terms of education, Bahraini women are the most liberally educated in the MENA region. The first secular school for women in Bahrain was established in 1928, and in 1959, the first hospital-based nursing school in the country opened its doors. Bahraini women were able to study medicine and related fields in other countries, and upon their return, they took on roles as department heads, deans, and professors. In 2007, women made up 72% of the students at Arabian Gulf University and 67% of the University of Bahrain. However, despite their strong presence in higher education, Bahraini women are often unable to find work in their fields due to the unavailability of certain subjects to female students. Technical subjects, for example, are reserved for male students only, and women are limited to studying subjects with low demand in the workforce, which increases their likelihood of unemployment.
In 2002, an amendment to the Constitution of Bahrain gave women the right to vote and stand in national elections. However, despite these advancements, women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions. In 2018, only 39 women ran for parliament, compared to 330 men. While a small number of women were elected to both houses in the 2014 general election, as of February 2021, only 15% of seats in parliament were held by women.
Bahrain is also the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to have women in high government rankings, including ministers and ambassadors. In 2004, Dr. Nada Haffadh became the country's first female cabinet minister when she was appointed Minister of Health. In 2006, lawyer and women's rights activist, Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, was appointed President of the United Nations General Assembly, becoming only the third woman in history to head the world body. In 2008, Houda Nonoo was appointed as the first Jewish ambassador of any Arab country, and in 2011, Alice Samaan, a Christian woman, was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Despite these advancements, there are still many issues relating to women's rights in Bahrain. There are no laws protecting women against domestic violence, and spousal rape is legal. In Islamic court, a woman's testimony is worth half that of a man's, and if a man assaults a female relative, he will only face a few days in jail before being released after paying a fee. Additionally, while women are provided with freedoms and personal liberties in all aspects of their lives, Bahrain is a conservative society, and women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public.
Overall, while Bahrain has made significant progress in advancing women's rights, there are still many social and legal challenges that need to be addressed to achieve true gender equality in the country.
Transport safety
Public transportation in Bahrain is generally considered safe for women. Buses are widely used, well-maintained, and safe for travel. It is recommended to use registered taxi services or those ordered through reliable ride-hailing apps to ensure security and clear communication. As a precaution, it is advised to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, even when using taxis.
Bahrain has a low crime rate, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and main tourist spots. It is important to be cautious near old market areas and to be aware of local laws and penalties.
Aggressive drivers and the presence of sand on roads can pose hazards for drivers. Animals may also be encountered on the roads, so it is important to be vigilant while driving. Telecommunications may be constrained in certain regions, which can affect navigation and emergency calls.
It is recommended to stick to frequented areas for greater safety. The areas around major tourist destinations are well-lit and patrolled by police, making them safer for walking. However, less crowded residential areas or outskirts can be unsafe at night.
Dress code
Bahrain is a Muslim country and a very conservative society. The dress code for women is generally modest and conservative. Women are expected to cover their heads and arms when in public. It is recommended that women refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothes, including strapless and skimpy tops, shorts, and short skirts. Instead, women should opt for long-sleeved clothing, trousers, or longer skirts. It is also a good idea to carry a scarf, which can be used to cover the head when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
However, in recent years, there have been varying reports on how conservative women need to dress in Bahrain. Some sources suggest that, while modesty is still important, women are increasingly wearing more revealing clothing, such as sleeveless outfits, short dresses, and skinny jeans, without reprimand.
When visiting religious sites such as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the dress code is much stricter. Women are expected to be completely covered head to toe in loose-fitting clothing. If you are not sufficiently covered, an abaya and hijab can usually be borrowed from the site.
On beaches, the dress code depends on whether it is a private or public beach. On private beaches, the rules are more relaxed, while on public beaches, it is best to dress more conservatively. At the beach, you may see women wearing anything from full-length burkinis to skimpy bathers. While bikinis are commonplace, topless sunbathing is not allowed, and public nudity is illegal.
Dressing for the Weather
Bahrain's weather varies from mild winters, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C, to extremely hot summers, with temperatures reaching 46°C. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather while still adhering to the conservative dress code. Loose cotton clothing is ideal for the heat, but remember to cover your shoulders and knees.
Crime rates
When outside, it is important to not wear expensive jewellery or flash any high-tech devices, as this may attract unwanted attention. It is also important to be aware of cultural differences and dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women should cover their heads and arms and refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing.
There is also a moderate risk of terrorism in Bahrain, with previous attacks using explosive devices in public places. It is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during high-profile events and religious festivals.
In terms of natural disasters, extremely high temperatures, sandstorms, and thunderstorms are common. It is recommended to carry water at all times and stay hydrated.
Overall, Bahrain is considered a safe place for women, but it is important to be aware of cultural differences and dress accordingly. Women should also avoid travelling alone, as it is not culturally acceptable and may lead to unwanted attention.
Work opportunities
Bahrain is a safe place for women to work, with freedoms and liberties available to them in all aspects of life, including work. Women in Bahrain have access to opportunities in all positions and industries, with the ability to pursue careers in fields such as education, medicine, nursing, banking, and more.
The country has a history of promoting women in leadership positions, being the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to have women in high government roles, such as ministers and ambassadors. This includes Dr. Nada Haffadh, who became the country's first female cabinet minister when she was appointed Minister of Health in 2004.
However, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences and dress codes when working in Bahrain. Women are expected to dress modestly and conservatively, covering their shoulders, arms, and knees in public places. This is especially important in religious sites and during Ramadan, when modesty is highly valued.
Additionally, solo female travellers in Bahrain may face some challenges. While the country is generally safe, women travelling alone may be subject to unwanted attention or curiosity as it is not culturally acceptable. To avoid potential issues, women can carry a cheap wedding band or photos of a "husband" or "children" to deter unwanted attention. It is also recommended to wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact and to walk into shops or restaurants if feeling unsafe.
In terms of safety, Bahrain has a relatively low crime rate, but petty theft, burglaries, and pickpocketing are common. It is important to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect belongings, especially in crowded areas such as airports and train stations.
When considering work opportunities in Bahrain, it is also worth noting that the country has a petroleum-based economy and a cosmopolitan culture. The social layer caters to the middle class, which sets it apart from neighbouring countries like Qatar.
Overall, Bahrain offers a wide range of work opportunities for women, with the country prioritising women's freedoms and liberties. However, cultural sensitivities, dress codes, and safety precautions should be considered and respected when working in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Bahrain is generally considered a safe destination for women travellers and workers. However, it is a conservative society, and women are expected to cover their heads and arms. Women travellers and workers should also be aware of the political situation in the country and avoid large demonstrations.
Women in Bahrain are expected to dress modestly, covering their heads and arms. It is recommended that visitors refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing and carry a scarf to cover their heads when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
Bahrain is a conservative and traditional society, where women are expected to have husbands and children. Women who travel or work in Bahrain alone may be the subject of curiosity as it is not culturally acceptable.
Women in Bahrain should take general safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, staying aware of their surroundings, and using registered taxi services. While the crime rate against tourists is low, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.
Women in Bahrain have equal opportunities to work in all positions and industries. They have achieved careers in fields such as education, medicine, banking, and government, with representation in high government rankings such as ministers and ambassadors.
