The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain has been honoured with the Women’s Empowerment and Advancement Excellence Award at the 2026 Al Bilad Corporate Social Responsibility Awards Ceremony, in recognition of its commitment to promoting equal opportunities, supporting women's professional development and fostering an inclusive working environment. The ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, alongside His Excellency Mr Abdulnabi Al Shoala, Chairman of Al Bilad Media Corporation. Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of the School of Nursing & Midwifery, accepted the award on behalf of the University, accompanied by Professor Ghufran Jassim, Head of Department and Professor of Family Medicine, Dr Nichola McLarnon, Head of Quality & Academic Development and Mr Gary Brady, Head of Human Resources.

The ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, alongside His Excellency Mr Abdulnabi Al Shoala, Chairman of Al Bilad Media Corporation. Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of the School of Nursing & Midwifery, accepted the award on behalf of the University, accompanied by Professor Ghufran Jassim, Head of Department and Professor of Family Medicine, Dr Nichola McLarnon, Head of Quality & Academic Development and Mr Gary Brady, Head of Human Resources.

The award acknowledges the University's continued efforts to integrate women's empowerment into its institutional strategy through equitable employment practices, leadership development and policies that support employee wellbeing. As of August 2026, women accounted for 66% of the University's full-time workforce and held approximately 65% of managerial positions, reflecting their important contribution to the University's academic, research and administrative functions.

A key focus of these efforts has been investment in professional development and career progression. Over the past three years, 43 female staff members have participated in leadership development programmes delivered in partnership with Advance HE, while 70 Bahraini women have benefited from University-funded advanced qualifications and professional certifications since 2019. These initiatives are complemented by the work of the University's Equal Opportunities Executive Committee and enhanced workplace policies covering maternity and paternity leave, flexible working arrangements and employee wellbeing.

Beyond its institutional initiatives, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain contributes to women's advancement through healthcare education and community engagement. Programmes such as Future Nurses Bahrain, established in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Health, encourage young Bahraini women to pursue careers in nursing and support the development of the Kingdom's future healthcare workforce.

The award further reinforces RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s commitment to embedding equal opportunities and professional development within its institutional strategy, while contributing to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national priorities for women’s advancement and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 ‘Gender Equality’.