44 September 2014 www.womanthismonth.com One of Bahrain’s first female trade union leaders and equal rights activist, Suad Mubarak tells us why women need to take up leadership roles rather than waiting for men to represent them. Claiming Our Rights PEOPLE | interview by SIMI KAMBOJ Suad Mubarak is a far cry from the fire-breathing trade union activist. The soft-spoken accounts supervisor at The Gulf Hotel has spent over a decade campaigning for the rights of working women in Bahrain. Suad is assistant secretary-general at the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU), the largest trade union body in Bahrain with over 60 unions under its umbrella representing 30,000 members. She speaks to us about women’s empowerment, choosing a path less trodden and what it means to sacrifice personal gain for higher ideals. Woman This Month (WTM): What brought you into trade union activism? Suad Mubarak (SM): I became a member of the employees committee at The Gulf Hotel back in 1998, which later converted to a union. I think I joined without knowing what I was getting into. I had some leadership qualities and represented my colleagues in interactions with the management. I ended up getting elected in every subsequent election. WTM: Has it been worth your while? SM: Well, this work is really stressful. You devote so much time fighting for the rights of others that you often lose out on your own career. I’ve been working on the same salary for six years and sometimes I feel I should’ve done more for my family. Also, people expect a lot from you when they’re not ready to do their bit. Sometimes it feels demoralising when we fail, but this role has also opened a lot of doors for me. I feel proud knowing that I represent thousands of workers who trust in me. I’m happy with the work I’m doing. WTM: Why do you insist on women getting involved in trade unionism? SM: It’s simple. Women are part of the workforce in Bahrain and as workers they have certain rights. Unless they’re on the board of trade unions they’ll not be involved
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