Barriers on Site, Ceilings in Office: The Role of Site Supervision in Shaping Female Design Professionals’ Leadership Trajectories in Bahrain
摘要
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of limited site supervision experience on the career progression of female architects, interior designers, and civil engineers in Bahrain, and to explore how this barrier affects their advancement into leadership roles. The study highlights how, despite increased female participation in design education, a gap persists in site experience opportunities, which are crucial for authority in design decision-making and project management. A mixed-methods approach was adopted through qualitative questionnaires, semi- structured interviews, and case studies targeting professionals in the public and private sectors. The findings indicate that although Bahrain demonstrates regional progress, cultural expectations, logistical site challenges, and limited institutional support continue to constrain women's career trajectories. The research offers recommendations to educational institutions, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to foster early site exposure, improve workplace policies, and ultimately enhance the leadership potential of Bahraini women in design disciplines.