Women in Architecture: Entrepreneurial Challenges and Successes Case Study from Bahrain
摘要
This study explores a profession long dominated by men: architecture. The study aims to examine the experiences of ten successful women architects in the Kingdom of Bahrain who started their own firms. Using a qualitative methodology, this research uses in-depth interviews to explore their entrepreneurial journeys. Their findings document some of the substantial challenges experienced by these trailblazing women, from struggling to build a customer base and navigating the law to limited access to capital. Joan Acker’s theory of gendered organizations provides a theoretical frame for this study showing how organizational structures and practices strengthen gender inequality in this male-dominated field.Furthermore, the study also reflects their mechanisms of dealing with these challenges. The importance of both formal and informal mentorship was highlighted as a key element in their success. It is the support from nationwide establishments like Tamkeen, the Economic Development Board, and the Supreme Council for Women that has greatly aided them currently, as they deal with funding problems. The study, however, concludes with the need to promote gender dynamics and to establish gender-inclusive support to improve opportunities for female entrepreneurs in architecture within Bahrain. These insights are intended to help aspiring female architects in starting their own practices and to inform industry leaders and policymakers about how to create a more equitable and supportive professional environment.