Bahraini women driving kingdom’s start-up ecosystem

Bahraini women driving kingdom’s start-up ecosystem

Bahraini women are playing a leading role in driving the kingdom's burgeoning reputation as a global start-up hub, according to Pakiza Abdulrahman, head of start-ups, Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Bahrain has the highest share of female founders in the world, with 18 percent of homegrown start-ups active in the kingdom founded by women – compared to London (15 percent) and Silicon Valley (16 percent).

Abdulrahman told Arabian Business the overall split between males females operating in the country's start-up environment is around 50/50.

2019 Global Startup Ecosystem Report shows 18% of start-ups in Bahrain are founded by women, more than Silicon Valley

She said: “The split is nothing out of the ordinary because Bahrain, through the Supreme Council of Women, have worked very closely with different government and public stakeholders to empower women, especially