Bahrain is a small country at the heart of the Gulf.  Its strategic location makes it unique in the region.  It is pioneer in matters related to socio-economic development:  Bahrain is the first country in the Gulf to start education for males (1919) and for females (1928); to discover oil (1932), and to establish women organizations (1955).  Among those organizations Awal Women Society which was first found in 1967 plays a leading role in women’s rights, participation of women in development, as well as opposing to all forms of discrimination against women.