Global Arab Network | Bahrain - Fourth worldwide for building the capabilities of women

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Bahrain - Fourth worldwide for building the capabilities of women

Global Arab Network - - George Haddad

Thursday, 08 October 2009 23:37

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has ranked Bahrain fourth of 155 countries worldwide for its efforts in building the capabilities of women.

The annual UNDP Human Development Report, published this week, includes the Human Development Index (HDI) and Gender-Related Development Index (GDI). Considered together, the indices provide a measure of gender disparity; the higher the percentage of GDI relative to HDI, the less gender disparity in human development. Bahrain’s GDI / HDI ratio is 100 percent.

The report, which each year aims to bring the human development concept and critical policy issues to the international agenda, also ranked Bahrain 39th of 182 countries on its overall HDI. The index measures the average progress of a country in human development. By assessing fundamental aspects of people’s lives and their opportunities, it gives a more complete picture of a country’s development than other indicators such as GDP per capita alone.

At 90 percent, Bahrain’s combined gross enrolment ratio in primary, secondary and tertiary education is the best in the Gulf and ranks 28th in the world. And since 1980 the Kingdom’s HDI scores have increased progressively in all three dimensions:

·    Living a long and healthy life, measured by life expectancy at birth
·    Access to knowledge, measured by adult literacy rate and combined gross enrolment ratio in primary, secondary and tertiary education
·    A decent standard of living, measured by GDP per capita in purchasing power parity (PPP)

Kamal Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “The United Nations Development Programme rightly points out that human development is about putting people at the centre of development; that it is about people realising their potential, increasing their choices and enjoying the freedom to lead fulfilling lives.

“This is entirely consistent with the approach taken in developing Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and National Economic Strategy which will enable better human development outcomes. The Kingdom’s plans are designed to encourage the private sector to drive growth, support further diversification of the economy – already recognised as the most diversified in the Gulf – and ultimately elevate national living standards by creating greater opportunities for Bahrainis.”

Bahrain prides itself on its reputation as the most stable, liberal and open society in the Gulf, with a democratic political system, acceptance of all faiths and established women’s rights. The Kingdom has been a leader in the Gulf in education – especially that of women – having been the first to establish a public education system (1919) and open this to women (1928). Recent reforms have advanced the role of women in society even more – including the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women as an advisory council for His Majesty the King. Today, Bahraini women account for 70 percent of university students and are found participating across all commercial, economical, investment and developmental activities.

In the Bahrain Power List 2009 published by Arabian Business last month – featuring the most influential 50 people in the Kingdom – fourth place went to Mona Almoayyed, President of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society. Established in 2000, the society is tasked with the development and promotion of social and economical relations among businesswomen in Bahrain.

The Kingdom has also introduced reforms that will continue to improve its advanced education system and enhance human capital in line with the requirements of the private sector. Recent developments include the establishment of the Quality Assurance Authority, the Bahrain Teachers College and the Bahrain Polytechnic. The forthcoming Education Project (15-17 October), an inaugural event set up by the EDB, signals the Kingdom’s broader commitment to address the gap in global education.

Global Arab Network

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