Youth Support Women’s Leadership in Bahrain

• The Supreme Council for Women’s national plans have focused on education, economic participation, family stability and decision-making.

• Its Youth Committee involves young men and women in discussing women’s issues and developing initiatives.

• Young Bahraini women are being encouraged to pursue future-focused fields, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.

Bahraini youth and activists have highlighted the growing role of young people in supporting the advancement of Bahraini women, describing youth participation as an important part of the country’s future development.

They said the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, has established a comprehensive approach to supporting Bahraini women through successive national strategies and plans.

The process began with the launch of the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women in 2005 and continued through national plans addressing changing social and economic priorities. The National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women 2025-2026 represents the latest phase, focusing on strengthening women's participation and leadership.

The national plans cover areas including family stability, decision-making, economic participation and quality of life, while supporting women's participation in education, training, entrepreneurship and community development.

Youth Participation and Future Leadership

The Youth Committee at the Supreme Council for Women was highlighted as an important platform for involving young people in women's issues.

The committee brings together young men and women to develop their knowledge and skills, contribute ideas and share their views on issues related to women's advancement. It also promotes awareness of equality and equal opportunities among younger generations.

Sheikha Al Zayed, a member of the Youth Committee, said the council's approach includes preparing young women for future opportunities and increasing youth awareness of women's rights.

She highlighted initiatives related to vocational and technical education, as well as opportunities in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech and digital transformation.

According to Al Zayed, developing women's capabilities from an early stage can help young women adapt to changes in the labour market and pursue education and career paths that correspond with future needs.

Supporting Young Women Entrepreneurs

Noura Al-Mansoori, another Youth Committee member, highlighted entrepreneurship as an important area for supporting young Bahraini women.

She pointed to the Bahraini Women’s Capacity Development Center “Riyadaat”, the Bahraini Women’s Business Development Portfolio and initiatives supporting women's business activities. She also highlighted the Excellence for the Young Bahraini Businesswoman Award.

These initiatives provide opportunities for young women to develop their skills and pursue projects in areas including e-commerce, fintech and renewable energy.

Al-Mansoori also stressed the importance of awareness of entrepreneurship support services and intellectual property protection, saying such knowledge can help young women transform ideas into sustainable businesses.

Youth and Community Awareness

Khalid Al-Muharraqi, a member of the Youth Committee, said young women's contribution extends beyond professional and economic participation to community awareness and volunteer work.

He highlighted initiatives addressing family awareness and legal culture, as well as programmes for those preparing for marriage and parents.

Al-Muharraqi also pointed to growing youth participation in volunteer activities, citing the Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa Award for Youth Volunteer Work. He said the number of projects increased from 22 in the award's first cycle to 64 in its third cycle.

He added that awareness of health, environmental practices and climate change provides additional opportunities for young women to contribute to sustainable development.

Preparing for the Future

Khaled Mousa Al Balushi, a media and communication specialist, described the experience of supporting young Bahraini women as an important model for preparing the next generation.

He said the national plan gives attention to young women as a key group and includes initiatives aimed at developing their skills and addressing their needs.

Al Balushi also noted the participation of young women in technology and communications and their presence in executive positions across the government and private sectors.

Youth activist Khalid Abdulnoor said continued investment in young women's abilities would provide more opportunities for them to take initiative, innovate and assume responsibility.

He said young Bahraini women have an active role to play in national development and in shaping Bahrain's future.