WORKSHOP: What Political Participation Really Means for Women in Bahrain

Snippets from the Launch of WLP's Political Participation Manual in Manama, Bahrain

I have just returned from Manama where I took part in the launch of the Leading to Action, WLP's Political Participation Manual, the second of such events after Beirut last July. The Bahrain Women Association, our partners in Bahrain, organized this event as part of a national their workshop on women's political participation. As shared with us last week, by our dear colleague Wajeeha from BWA, the group is gearing up towards the upcoming elections which will be held in Bahrain in October 2010.

Elections in Bahrain are a recent feature of the third millennium! They had brought a ray of hope for a new era of hope for democracy and participation. Yet many of the women who took part in the three days workshop were disillusioned by the recent promises of democracy. Candidates whom they had supported seemed to have forgotten their pledges and commitments and now appear to be more concerned about holding on to their seats rather effecting much promised and needed change!

At the onset of the workshop, there were many voices which seem to express feelings of “what for,” “things will not change,” “we have tried and tested the process and it does not work,” “our voices do not count,” etc…Yet, as the workshop progressed, and as participants explored various real life scenarios from different parts of the world, mindsets began to change. The major learning and turning point during that workshop was when participants started constructing their own definitions of political participation. Whilst casting votes is critical, women in the workshop realized that political participation is a broader process of engagement and of practicing active citizenship. Disillusionment gave place to enthusiasm and commitment to action and to change! Participants realized that as activists, they play a major role in making women's political participation a reality in Bahrain. Bringing in women into the political arena, beginning with their own families, friends and constituencies, running campaigns and advocating rights, and, most importantly, holding those in power accountable were framed as critical elements of women's political participation.

Whilst the participants were not expecting a radical increase in the number of women candidates as well as elected women in the upcoming 2010 elections, yet they appear to be totally geared up for making participation a reality and for spearheading mobilization for much needed transformation in the situation and position of women in private and public life. The workshop may have contributed to this process by stimulating discussions, offering real life examples and helping in broadening definitions and widening horizons.