Labour Minister Jamil bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan stressed the Labour Ministry\'s ongoing efforts to empower women, develop their skills and boost their contribution to the labour market. Marking the Bahraini Women\'s Day, on December 1, he said the Bahraini women\'s contribution to the private sector has topped 30% of the national workforce nowadays, up from 24% in 2000, with their number rising from12210 to 24316. This increase, he explained, is the result of the Labour Ministry\'s keenness to provide a favourable work climate for Bahraini women in the private sector by equipping them with the needed skills and passing legislations to boost their rights. \"Bahraini women are key partner in national growth,\" he emphasized, adding that celebrating the Bahraini Women\'s Day is a tribute to their dedicated efforts and an impetus to bring about more achievements. He hailed support of the leadership and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), adding that empowering women is essential for human development in Bahrain. The Labour Minister extended congratulations to the leadership and HRH Princess Sabeeka on the Bahraini Women\'s Day, pointing out that a line-up of programmes has been scheduled by the Labour Ministry to celebrate the occasion.