womanthismonth.com | AUGUST 2025 PROPERTY 4 The Hidden Risks: PROTECTING FEMALE REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN BAHRAIN Despite Bahrain’s reputation for safety, female real estate agents face unique occupational risks. Karine Nalbandyan, founder of Master House Real Estate, is determined to raise awareness and drive change. Over two decades ago, Karine left a thriving media career in Ukraine to start a new chapter in the Kingdom with her Bahraini husband. As a former TV journalist and producer for Ukraine’s national channel, she also ran a successful family business. The transition was bold, but as she says: “Bahrain has given me new professional horizons, and became the place where my family and business could grow together.” Today, Karine is the founder and managing director of Master House Real Estate, a fullservice company offering consultancy, property management, marketing, design and renovation. “Coming from a background in media and business management, I felt an instant pull toward real estate, a field where creativity, strategy and communication come together,” she explains. What began as curiosity soon became a purpose-driven career. Karine expanded her education in real estate, hospitality and design, evolving her company’s offerings to include investment advisory, renovation and more. “Real estate is more than a profession for me; it’s a lifestyle and a platform to empower others and contribute positively to the community,” she adds. The Hidden Threats Despite the rewards, the career carries hidden dangers, especially for women. According to PeopleSafe, nearly one in three real estate agents globally has faced abuse while showing properties. Female agents, who often work alone, are disproportionately affected by verbal abuse, harassment and even physical threats. “Real estate in Bahrain may seem perfectly safe, especially as it’s one of the world’s safest countries,” Karine notes. “Yet for female agents, hidden risks remain.” Bahrain is indeed ranked among the top 20 safest countries globally, with a 30 percent drop in crime over four years. Yet the nature of property work means female agents regularly enter vacant or secluded spaces alone with strangers, often without CCTV, security personnel or witnesses nearby. These everyday situations can quickly turn unsafe. The imbalance is worsened by modern online practices. Karine highlights a troubling trend: “An additional risk arose recently when one of the property websites began requiring agents to display personal details, including full name, portrait photo and nationality, while visitors stay completely anonymous. Unfortunately, this opened the door to scammers and lawbreakers who can misuse personal data.” She knows the consequences first-hand. A routine viewing request spiralled into cyberbullying and harassment. Her personal information was misused, resulting in a criminal case that is now before the Bahraini courts. Silence and Stigma One of the greatest challenges is the culture of silence. Many female agents don’t report
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