Derasat-UNDP research papers analyse how Bahraini women coped with COVID-19 and remote work challenges

Derasat-UNDP research papers analyse how Bahraini women coped with COVID-19 and remote work challenges

Two research papers, jointly prepared by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Women the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges to Bahraini women, recommended accounting for women’s diverse experiences and needs, away from a unified mold shared with men.

The papers, titled, “The Impact of Covid-19 on Women in Bahrain” and “Bahraini Women and Remote Work”, were prepared by Dr. Omar Ahmed Al-Ubaydli, Derasat’s Director of Studies and Research, and UNDP Researcher Deema Al-Moayyed, called for providing rest periods for some women during challenging times.

A consideration highlighted by the research called for adopting a hybrid work model with hours split-scheduled between home and the workplace, which would in turn enhance business continuity for pregnant, nursing and care-taking mothers, and further called for evaluating accomplished work instead of work hours, in addition to helping staff acquire the computer and application-based skills necessary for remote work.

Research relied on a survey of around 350 Bahraini women and a focus group session with several of them, to identify and discuss the socio-economic impacts created by the pandemic as a challenge to Bahraini women. The research deduced certain aspects of