By REBECCA TORR

BAHRAINI women represent 34.3 per cent of the total national workforce – the largest representation of women in the GCC, it was claimed yesterday.

This compares to 23.5pc in 2001 and only five per cent in 1971, said health Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Primary Care and Public Health Dr Mariam Al Jalahma.

“This percentage is the highest among the GCC countries and close to the levels seen in European Union (EU) countries,” she said.

Dr Al Jalahma was highlighting the contribution of Bahraini women to the development of the country on the eve of Bahrain’s first Women’s Day.

She was speaking at the Rotary Club of Manama’s weekly meeting at the Gulf Hotel.

The event was led by club president Betsy Bennett Mathieson and attended by members and guests, including Shura Council member Alice Sam’an.

Dr Al Jalahma said His Majesty King Hamad had chosen to mark Bahrain Women’s Day on December 1 to remind people of the commencement of formal education in Bahrain 80 years ago, where Bahraini women had engaged alongside men as effective and influential partners at every stage of the renaissance of Bahrain.

She said this year’s theme – Read, Learned, Participated – summarised the history of Bahraini women and their leading role in building the nation.

Dr Al Jalahma said under the reform process led by King Hamad and the vision and support of his wife and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Bahraini women had been able to assume the highest positions in Bahrain.

“She is now a minister, a judge, an ambassador and a successful businesswoman, while retaining her natural role and mission in the family entity and behind it the entity of the entire nation,” she said.

Dr Al Jalahma pointed out that Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka was the driving force behind several initiatives launched by the Supreme Council to empower women.

“The granting of full political rights to vote and run in municipal and parliamentary elections was a leap forward and consolidated their status as the partners of men in the country’s building process,” added Dr Al Jalahma.

“The participation of women in the economy and labour market is vital to the growth of the country and to achieve sustainable development.

“Bahraini women are increasingly engaged in pioneering positions and roles with the kingdom, both in the public and private sector, and have joined new economic sectors and occupied posts which were limited to men in the past.

“Bahraini women’s participation in the non-governmental societies is highly recognised as she has led several initiatives and programmes in the field of voluntary work.”

Meanwhile, Ms Mathieson pointed out that Bahrain’s constitution stated men and women are equals. “Women in Bahrain richly deserve the senior positions they hold,” she said.

“My message to women is: “You as mothers, sisters and wives help shape attitudes of men and I say take the opportunity to nurture your sons and brothers so they grow up to respect women.”

The club marked Bahrain’s first Women’s Day by distributing gifts to all women attending the meeting.