The 25th of March, Bahraini Youth Day, is a day that celebrates young people and motivates them towards further progress. Bahrain’s youth are emerging as a powerful force driving change, innovation and progress in different walks of life. With a growing emphasis on empowering young people, Bahrain is witnessing a wave of initiatives and programmes aimed at harnessing the potential of its youth population.
The Bahraini government has been proactive in engaging young people in decision-making processes and policy development. In recent years initiatives and programmes such as the Crown Prince International Scholarship Programme and the Prime Minister’s fellowship programme have succeeded in creating a generation of young leaders that can apply best practices into the government’s decision-making processes. The establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and the inclusion of the Ministry of Youth as part of the cabinet is among the factors that have shaped youth empowerment in different fields during the years that followed the National Action Charter (constitutional referendum) of 2001. These organisations aim at creating policies dedicated to youth inclusion in different fields on the national level. In addition, as part of its vision, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports works towards creating young leaders and supporting youth initiatives and projects that highlight the successes of young Bahrainis.
From ministers to other senior decision-making posts Bahraini youth have been successfully incorporated into the Kingdom’s policy making field. Much attention has been given to young Bahrainis through initiatives such as youth councils and forums that provide a platform for young voices to be heard and to contribute to shaping the future of the country. The political will to empower youth has affected the society at large as we witness young leaders not only in governmental posts but across the spectrum. The political will to empower youth has created a culture where there is more trust in young voices, the election of many young MPs in the 2022 Parliamentary and Municipal elections reflects the society’s awareness towards the importance of youth participation and the success of the leadership’s initiatives to create such a culture.
This inclusive approach not only empowers youth but also ensures that their perspectives and ideas are integrated into the fabric of Bahraini society. One of the key pillars of youth empowerment in Bahrain is education. The government has made significant investments in education, providing young Bahrainis with access to quality schooling and higher education opportunities.
In addition to education and participation in governance, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in empowering Bahrain’s youth. Through the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the government has created a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs, offering resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help them start and grow their businesses. This focus on entrepreneurship not only fosters economic growth but also encourages creativity, innovation and job creation among the youth. This has also led to less dependance on the public and private sector and helped in limiting the percentage of unemployment in Bahrain.
As Bahrain continues to provide opportunities for its youth, the future looks bright for the Kingdom. By empowering young people through education, political empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural initiatives, Bahrain is paving the way for a generation of dynamic, innovative, and socially conscious leaders who will drive the country forward in the years to come.
In conclusion, youth empowerment is not just a buzzword in Bahrain, it is a tangible reality that is shaping the country’s future. By investing in its youth, Bahrain is investing in the prosperity and well-being of its society as a whole. As young Bahrainis continue to rise to the occasion, the Kingdom is set as an example of youth empowerment across the region.