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Woman This Month - June 2023

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Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY INTERVIEW FASHION IN HER SHOES TRAVEL www.womanthismonth.com Why We Need Our Girlfriends Glow Up Summer Must Haves Bahrain’s Favourite Harpist Silvia Saad Fit at 50 Françoise Salameh Moschino‘s Pop Of Colour Influenced By Dana Zubari South Africa A Vibrant Holiday Destination BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES June 2023 | Issue 241
OPINION

About Moschino Mad

Moschino Spring 2023 Donna is Creative Director Jeremy Scott’s response to the gloom and issues we’re facing today, and its motive is mood buoyancy. He believes we must be cognizant of what’s happening around us while holding space for joy. Let’s explore the Moschino SS23 collection – a prism of optimism.

“It’s not possible to constantly hold onto crisis. You have to have the love and you have to have the magic. That’s also life.” -Toni Morrison

Models strutting down the runway in Moschino’s SS23 collection were the true vision of happiness. Looks that we can bring to life this summer through their eclectic RTW collection. Bright colours, fun motifs, vibrant animations and a colour palette that grabs your attention.

The symbolic uplift starts with daytime looks to stay afloat. Boxy jackets, sporty dresses and functional skirts feature faux-blow up hearts, a reimagining of the famed Moschino icon. A direct twist on the word 'inflation' then starts to enter the relief, with pool toys, life rafts and life preservers taking shape across suiting, refined daywear, graphic-impact eveningwear and accessories, alike.

A noir jacket and trouser suit boasts inflatable lapels and pocket covers on the former, complete with oral valves for aerating the accents. As the lineup progresses, a touch more formality drifts to the top: A pink blazer and skirt set with floaties at the cuffs, a blow up-collar classic moto jacket paired with a midiskirt, and a patterned column dress complemented by a pool raft stole are all part of the interplay.

In Moschino’s long-standing manner, each piece in Spring holds some wink or trick of the eye, and is layered with double entendre and wit. The inflatables are genuine or faux, signaling questions between illusion or reality (another conceptual adjunct to the complexity of our era). Ultimately, though, it’s about offsetting the negativity – of breaking through the surface into a ray of sunshine, even when the rest of the water is shadowed in grey. That’s where joy may be found.

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FASHION | fashion forward
June 2023 61 FASHION | fashion forward

The right note

The harp brings an element of whimsy and wonder to any occasion. Egyptian harpist Silvia Saad, who is currently living and performing in Bahrain, is the perfect match for this magical instrument. Farrah Saville chats to her about her journey into classical performances.

Silvia Saad meets the Bahrain This Month team at the Gulf Hotel’s lobby area for an interview and shoot. Immediately, all eyes are on this absolute stunner. She is wearing a floral, almost fairytale-like dress; her long flowing Rapunzelesque hair and gentle demeanour has heads turning and rightfully so. On her shoulder is a giant purple bag, in it the most beautiful harp.

Silvia, who was originally born in Egypt, has a Master’s degree in the harp instrument and is currently living as a performer for luxury events in Bahrain. She is also a member of the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra and has been playing the harp since she was seven after watching her aunt play the piano.

She says: “After seeing her play, I really wanted to try it. My parents took me to a music conservatory and the teachers said my fingers might be better suited to the

harp and not the piano. They showed me some girls playing on it and when I saw it, I thought it was amazing. It reminded me of a children’s cartoon or story. So I continued my education with the harp and eventually graduated from the conservatory with a Master’s degree in the instrument.”

Silvia has turned her love and mastery of the harp into a business in Bahrain, and she has been booked by clients for luxury events, weddings and hotels. The pride she takes in preparing for her performances through the type of harp she uses, the way she dresses and what type of music she plays, has set her apart.

“Playing the harp is not a hobby,” she explains. “It’s something you study and take seriously. I think it’s the same approach for making a business out of it. I spend a lot of time on Instagram selecting what I want to promote and how I edit my page creatively.

I get some clients who direct message me on Instagram but many come to me while playing at events.”

She explains that clients will book her for other events after seeing her play and also after seeing the amount of time and effort that goes into matching the theme of the event, which includes striking dresses and jewellery, hair and make-up.

Silvia also played with the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, which she describes as a 'wonderful experience'. She says: “It was my first time in Bahrain to have the orchestra playing classical music; you need to listen to your colleagues when playing as part of an orchestra.

“My ultimate dream is to be a very famous artist one day. When people say ‘harpist’, I hope they will say my name as well,” she says with a big smile.

PEOPLE | interview June 2023 www.womanthismonth.com 62

FIGHTING FIT AT 50

After going through an incredibly difficult period and approaching 50, Françoise Salameh believed her future looked bleak. She ultimately got herself fighting fit, both physically and mentally, and sat down with Kristian Harrison to discuss her journey.

In 2017, Françoise moved to Bahrain and reinvented herself. Using her background in communications, public relations and journalism, the native Lebanese created an interview platform on Instagram which attracted global icons including Grammy Award winners, National Geographic photographers, Netflix documentary personalities and more. The page, @unspoken.untoldstories, was thriving, and Françoise was enjoying her life in the Kingdom. Then, in October 2020, tragedy struck. She lost her father, Hadi, to a sudden illness. Seemingly completely healthy except for a small ulcer, it suddenly burst and within 48 hours he was gone.

Françoise pinpoints this as the moment her depression began as the grief overwhelmed her, but it was soon to become worse. In the summer of that year, her sister, Florence, was diagnosed with lung cancer and within six months, she also passed away too in January 2022.

“I was stuck in a dark hole of depression,” Françoise remembers. “I was sinking deeper and deeper with seemingly no way out.

“I felt like there wasn’t much in the way of support in Bahrain, an outlet where I could express and process my grief, and I gradually got worse. I would wake up in the morning and barely feel like I could get out of bed to go to the bathroom or take my two children to school. I gained a lot of weight, was barely able to climb the stairs without gasping for breath, and I was disgusted with myself on the chance I caught myself in the mirror. I was nearly 50, with a slowing metabolism, and I just thought that was it in life.”

Ultimately, in one lucky moment, something clicked and Françoise decided she needed to change. To this day, she still cannot pinpoint exactly what it was, but it felt powerful.

“I looked at myself and just realised things had to change,” she explains. “I’d just lost my father and sister, and I just wanted to disappear. I also didn’t want to go to a doctor and be dependent on pills for the rest of my life.

“Therefore, I chose healthy eating and fitness to emerge from it. I joined the gym at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club, which is an amazing facility with great equipment and a supportive atmosphere.

“Every day without fail, I wake up and the first thing I do is think positive thoughts and say a prayer of gratitude for where I am. I then go straight to the gym. It’s all about consistency, as is the nutrition side of things. Manage your portions and try to minimise sugar in your diet.

“I lost eight kilos in a year and now people approach me and ask if I’ve had plastic surgery to look how I do, but I promise I haven’t! It’s the greatest compliment I can receive. I feel energised and much healthier both physically and mentally.”

Françoise now hopes to use her experience to help those of a similar age, both men and women, who are struggling with grief and depression and feel they are ‘past it’ agewise.

“When I was at my worst, I felt like I didn’t have a support group,” she explains. “So I want my story to inspire others and help them become healthier and enter the next great chapter of their life.”

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Quiet Time and Why It Is Important

walls of every preschool and kindergarten classroom you’ve seen. A picture schedule shows kids what to expect each day. When kids know quiet time is coming, it helps them prepare and transition.

Quiet time is an important part of a young child’s day, and not just because it gives small bodies a rest, but because it helps them emotionally reset and recharge, which is necessary for helping them manage their emotions and handle frustrations. Quiet time also helps kids get through their busy days with enough strength and energy to match their intense childhood curiosity. Frequent rest is essential for growing bodies. Building quiet time into your day can help your child better handle the stressors in their world, too.

While you may be fully invested in creating quiet time for your children each day, getting them on board can be a whole different issue! Transitions are hard for children, and transitioning from running around outside to quiet time can be tough. The trick to having a successful quiet time is structuring your day to build towards quiet time.

Use a picture schedule. Create a schedule for each day that uses a visual representation of each major activity, including quiet time, e.g., breakfast, getting dressed, playing outside, quiet time, art time and so on. You can print pictures from the internet, take photos or use line drawings and attach it to an easel .

Kids respond well to picture schedules—which is why you’ve probably noticed them on the

Make sure the activity before quiet time has a definite, clear end point. If kids are playing outside, they may be upset when you bring them in, complaining that they were just about to do something amazing. Consider having a snack or playing a game together just before quiet time. Activities that clearly end (the game ends, the snack is all gone) make for easier transition points than open-ended play-time.

Use a timer for quiet time. Once children are in quiet time, make sure it’s clear to them how long they’ll need to stay there. Consider using a visual timer that clearly indicates to children how long quiet time will last. You can also play music or use a standard playlist during quiet time, so your child can get a sense of how much longer they have in their quiet time. Remember, you have to be consistent in requiring them to stay in quiet time until it’s over; if they can whine their way out of it, they’re going to try getting out of it every day!

When you’re ready to try quiet time, keep in mind that although it feels like flipping on a movie is a great way to help kids relax, the reality is screen time isn’t actually the best use of quiet time. Kids benefit far more from relaxing, engaging activities that let them recharge their bodies while completing a calming task.

Books are the perfect quiet time activity, even for pre-readers. Reading and looking through books helps develop all kinds of academic and pre-academic skills. When children read the same book over and over, they learn predictability and routines. Children learn about sequencing and imagination. Have a big stack of preferred books available and let your child read through them during quiet time.

Lego, block sets and other building toys let kids have some quiet time while still being engaged in an activity. Have a bin or two of toys available in their bedroom, and encourage children to create away! Make it a rule that they can show you all their creations at the end of quiet time-otherwise they may keep sneaking out of their room to show you their masterpieces.

Calming music can help set the mood for your child, relaxing them and helping them reset themselves during their downtime.

There are a lot of options for quiet time, but remember to set up the day to prepare your child for quiet time, to help your child understand how long quiet time will last and to pick quiet, relaxing activities. Try to avoid screens and build in simple, engaging tasks to help them return to their day recharged and ready to go.

LIFESTYLE | opinion
The words 'quiet time' bring to mind images of a silent house, a resting child and a few minutes of solitude for parents. Ouiam El Hassani discusses what quiet time really is and why it is so important.

Mango Mania at Lulu Dana Mall

Launch of our Parent’s Guide

Omneyat Foundation, a nonprofit charity foundation registered in Bahrain which works to promote evidence-based practices for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, held the launch of Parent’s Guide to raise awareness on the larger developmental disability community in Bahrain.

bystander June 2023 65 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
HE Piyush Srivastava, Indian Ambassador, and Maha Abdulhameed Mufeez, CEO of the Labour Fund and Tamkeen, inaugurated the Mango Festival held at Lulu Hypermarket Dana Mall.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO)

HOW FAR WE ARE IN BAHRAIN?

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), only 58 percent of organisations fully understand the value of project management. Further, according to Wellingtone (2020), 71 percent of project professionals believe that the perceived value of PMOs will increase. In addition, the study conducted by Wellingtone in 2020 stated that 89 percent of organisations have one or more PMOs; 26 percent of these are less than two years old.

First certified PfMP Bahraini woman, PMO Consultant, PMO Global Awards Judge, PMO Award Winner

Earlier this year I did a short poll in one of the social media channels to get an idea whether organisations in Bahrain have an established project management office (PMO) or not. Many of the respondents stated they don’t have one or they are not sure if they do. Then I did a quick scan and realised that many organisations have no PMOs, and their projects are scattered, or sometimes not defined or managed as projects. No ownership is assigned and hence no accountability can be established, budgets assigned to them are mostly ad-hoc and approvals on the same are only sought when needed, projects are not strategically aligned to the corporate strategy (if any) and no mechanism is there for projects selection nor prioritisation, etc.

That’s why writing about this topic to establish some sort of awareness became a necessity.

“You don't know until you know.” – Cynthia Hand. Or in other words, you don’t realise you need it until you know what it is.

What is a PMO?

In the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, the Project Management Office (PMO) is defined as “a management structure that standardises the project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques”.

To elaborate on the above, the project management office (PMO) is a unit or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company. It could be 1) centralised where there is one hub managing the projects, or 2) decentralised where a subunit is created under each department to manage the projects under that department – like having an IT PMO for instance for managing IT projects,

or a 3) hybrid, where a centralised hub and cross-functional units are established to create a matrix structure. Or it could simply be established for managing a project for the period of the project and then dissolved. It could be insourced or outsourced. There are many international bodies and associations nowadays that have defined many models for PMOs.

In general, there are many types and models for PMOs; no one size fits all, each organisation might require a different PMO setup. It depends on the organisation’s maturity, size and structure, stakeholders’ needs, the type of services and processes that are to be handled by the PMO.

LIFESTYLE | opinion June 2023 www.womanthismonth.com 66

Why do organisations need PMOs?

Below are some of the objectives for having a PMO in organisations:

The simple answer to this is to create value - Ensure that the projects undertaken by the organisation are delivering the intended value set by the leaders of the organisation, be it a competitive edge, operational excellence, revenue generating, cost reduction, etc.

More objectives can be summarised as follows:

• Facilitate the identification and classification of projects.

• Facilitate the selection and prioritisation of projects.

• Ensure strategic alignment with the corporate strategy.

• Ensure adequate governance controls for each project supported by clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

• Provide capacity and capability planning, to enable the effective management of resources across the organisation-wide projects.

• Identify and develop project management methodology, best practices, and standards that fit each project type and size, and design customised approaches if required.

• Offer coaching, mentoring, and training.

• Monitor compliance with project management standards, policies, procedures, and templates by means of project audits and oversight.

• Develop and manage project policies, procedures, templates, tools and techniques.

Critical success factors for establishing an effective PMO are:

• Sponsored and supported by the board and executive management.

• Managed by people who are well equipped with knowledge and practical experience.

• Has a well-defined operating model with clear vision, mission, structure, governance, roles, responsibilities, authority matrix, framework, policies, processes and technology.

• Supported by digital means to automate as much as possible.

• Aims to fulfill the organisation’s vision and meet stakeholders’ expectations.

All expectations and statistics indicate that the adoption of PMOs in the region will increase in the coming few years. Yet the first step to achieving this target is to make more people aware of the importance of project management. The below table reflects where we stand in terms of numbers in comparison to our neighbours in the GCC (Ref. PMI registry).

• Manage communication and reporting of the projects in the portfolio to the relevant stakeholders on a timely basis.

• Manage the benefits planned from each project by ensuring setting clear quantitative and qualitative KPIs, monitor them throughout the project.

• Ensure that projects are delivered on scope, on time, and on budget, yet considering the changes that could occur throughout the project lifecycle and make the necessary justifications for the same.

LIFESTYLE | opinion www.womanthismonth.com June 2023 67
Country CAPM PMP PgMP PfMP Population (2020) % from Population Presence of Local PMI Chapter CAPM PMP PgMP PfMP Bahrain 144 1193 7 5 1,701,575 0.85 7 0.04 0.029 No Kuwait 35 3128 49 1 4,270,571 0.08 7 0.11 0.002 No UAE 482 15991 144 44 9,890,402 0.49 16 0.15 0.044 Yes KSA 1659 34244 319 219 34,813,871 0.48 10 0.09 0.063 Yes Oman 64 1413 9 5 5,106,626 0.13 3 0.02 0.010 No Qatar 152 6035 48 11 2,881,053 0.53 21 0.17 0.038 No

Spectacular

South Africa is a must-see destination if you want to take a break and experience something extraordinary. Bahrain This Month's resident South African, Farrah Saville, encourages a visit to her country.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa has stunning beaches, beautiful countryside, world-class wildlife and amazing cities to explore. With all the incredible variety on offer, here's a rundown of where to go and what to do on your visit to South Africa.

Kwa Zulu Natal

For beach lovers, Kwa Zulu Natal boasts some of the world's most pristine and beautiful beaches. With plenty of sun, sand and fun, it is an ideal spot for a summer vacation. Head over to Durban and relax on the Golden Mile beach and stroll along the walkway overlooking the Indian Ocean, where you can admire spectacular views of the coastline. Another great option for beach lovers is Umdloti, where the warm waters and fine, golden sand make it the perfect spot for swimming or simply taking in the spectacular ocean view. Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, home to various endemic species, including several sea turtles and bird species.

History buffs can delve into the region's culture and explore Kwa Zulu Natal's past. Zululand Battlefields offer guided tours where you can discover more about this historic region. Durban also has several cultural attractions worth exploring, including Victoria Street Market and Durban Indian Temple.

The Drakensberg Mountains offer some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation. From abseiling and rafting to mountaineering and paragliding, adventure seekers will find something that tickles their fancy. The amazing cultural experience provided by traditional South African villages also helps make the experience more unforgettable.

Insider info: Don't miss the opportunity to see the capture site and sculpture of Nelson Mandela in Howick.

Mpumalanga

This province offers breathtaking landscapes, lush vegetation and unique wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Besides its natural beauty, Mpumalanga is also well known for its culture. People can learn more about local traditions and languages while exploring the province's cultural heritage through museums and cultural centres.

There is so much to experience and appreciate in Mpumalanga, from visiting God's Window and Kruger National Park to playing golf at some of the best golf courses in the world.

Insider Info: Make sure to stop at the geological site Bourke's Luck Potholes.

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Cape Town

From unique shopping experiences in Greenmarket Square to exploring the historical museums of Bo-Kaap, a lively and vibrant atmosphere greets you no matter where you are in the city. Cape Town is considered a safe city; however, visitors should know the safety regulations while exploring the area. With that said, there is so much to see and do and experience, including a trip to Stellenbosch, where visitors can explore art galleries and farms. From mountain hikes and outdoor activities to beverage tasting and luxury accommodations, Cape Town is an exciting destination to explore and discover. A diverse array of activities and attractions await you in this beautiful and unforgettable city.

Insider Info: Stop at Reuben's Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek for a fine dining experience with a twist.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg, affectionately known as the 'City of Gold', is one of South Africa's most exciting and dynamic cities. It is known for its diverse shopping districts and rich history, but its welcoming atmosphere truly sets Johannesburg apart. There are plenty of shopping options, from unique street vendors selling traditional arts and crafts to modern department stores. Those who enjoy culture and history will appreciate Johannesburg's museums, heritage sites and monuments. You'd be remiss if you didn't visit Soweto, a historical township where Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived.

Garden Route

A trip to the Garden Route along South Africa's eastern coast is an absolute must for nature lovers. Take a hike through one of the many pristine forests and encounter the plentiful wild birds, primates and other animals. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River Mouth, this stunning landscape will provide a lasting memory.

Kruger National Park

Take in South Africa's awe-inspiring wildlife on a game drive through the Kruger National Park. See if you can spot the 'big five' – the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. It's a great way to see some of the incredible species that call this area home.

LIFESTYLE | travel www.womanthismonth.com June 2023 69

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

A little bit of concealer goes a long way when it comes to giving you a refreshing look. Discover THE MAGIC from Siella Beauty as it unveils its first-ever concealer! The new must-have concealer comes in 10 shades that will enhance your skin with its magical formula.

Siella Beauty's Multi-Magic Concealer is a lightweight, high-coverage and creamy concealer that builds into your foundation if desired. It blends effortlessly giving your skin a creaseless bright and smooth finish that lasts all day.

This concealer is infused with skin-loving

Summer Ready

ingredients that provide a hydrating, anti-aging effect and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. It can be used as a colour corrector, concealer and brightener, a foundation and even as a contour.

Available at siellabeauty.com.

It’s getting hot out here so it’s time to bring out the very best of summer beauty essentials. Your best bet for summer is to go light on your makeup and use the very best skincare you can get your hands on. Here are our recommendations!

SKINCARE ON THE MOVE

Time is a precious commodity, and taking care of our skin often falls low on our list of priorities. To keep up with our busy lifestyles, the innovative beauty brand FOREO has come up with quick and effective solutions for individuals who are always on the move. The LUNA mini, BEAR mini and UFO mini 2 are portable, lightweight and easy to use, no matter where you are.

We love the BEAR mini, a portable microcurrent device designed to prevent signs of ageing and lift the face. Its small size makes it easy to use onthe-go, and can be used to target specific areas of the face such as the cheeks and jawline. The device incorporates Anti-Shock System & T-Sonic technology to stimulate facial muscles and improve skin elasticity. With regular use, the BEAR mini can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and result in firmer and toned skin.

Available at namshi.com.

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UNLEASH LUSCIOUS LIPS

With glossy lips making a comeback in the beauty world, Wet n Wild's MegaSlicks LipGloss is here to steal the spotlight. This L.A.-based beauty brand’s sensational, longwear gloss boasts a pigmented formula, delivering a perfect pop of colour and shine that's set to dominate the clearshiny pout trend.

The MegaSlicks Lipgloss range features seven stunning shades, catering to all skin types. From glittery neutrals to tinted nudes and the classic clear gloss, there's a shade for everyone. What sets this gloss apart is its nourishing formula, enriched with a lip-loving blend of hydrating Jojoba Glaze, Maxi Lip peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen. This unique combination not only hydrates the lips but also provides a smooth texture, a high-shine finish, and a moisturising lustre that lasts all day.

Applying the MegaSlicks Lipgloss is a breeze, thanks to its convenient applicator wand that ensures a glossy pout with just a single swipe. The result? Lips that are lusciously hydrated, brilliantly tinted and irresistibly shiny. Available at glambeaute.com.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

With summer fast approaching, it's time to switch up your skincare routine to combat the effects of the sun, sweat and humidity. A good skincare routine is sure to help you beat the heat and keep your skin healthy.

Our top pick for skincare this month is from the brand Minimalist which designs products to be effective and gentle with their advanced formulations, backed with new age ingredients that nourish and protect skin without damaging the natural barriers.

Regeneration of skin cells is definitely a welcome result of skincare. Minimalist’s AHA BHA 10 percent Exfoliating Serum is a skin-regenerating daily serum with 10 percent blend of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) that mildly exfoliates without drying the skin to reveal clear, radiant and hydrated skin.

The Minimalist range is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic making it perfect for sensitive skin.

Available at noon.com.

FUTURISTIC SKINCARE

To achieve your best summer skin, the CELLRETURN Platinum LED Mask is your best bet. This revolutionary device uses the power of LED light therapy to deliver multiple skin benefits. It has four different modes of operation that can be customised to suit every skin need. It is simply the ultimate summer beauty device to rejuvenate, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

One of the main benefits of using the CELLRETURN LED Mask is that it helps repair any damage from excessive sun exposure such as sunburn, dryness and other effects

of UV rays that leave skin looking dull and tired. The LED light therapy in the mask also helps stimulate collagen production and increases blood flow, which in turn promotes healing and repairs damaged skin. It also aids in preventing further damage from occurring.

The LED mask provides a gentle and noninvasive way to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin as it is designed to increase hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover, all of which contribute to a brighter, more youthful complexion. It’s just what you need this summer!

Available at cellreturn.ae.

BEAUTY | news www.womanthismonth.com June 2023 71

Why we need our Girlfriends

Ona recent night out with some friends, I laughed until I cried, discovered the most delicious pizza in Bahrain and had a good reason to get all dolled up. So, what was so special about this night? As a working mother, wife and a busy expat, this night made me realise not only how lucky I was to form such a great bond but just how important female friendships are for women.

Throughout my life my female friendships have led me to so many places of discovery, both physically and mentally. And here’s why I believe having deep, meaningful friendships are so important. Throughout my life, whether living in South Africa, where I am from (Howzit!) to living in Qatar, and now Bahrain, friendship is what has helped me navigate some difficult and tricky situations. From challenging situations at work, to traversing relationships, and then moving

into motherhood, the friends I have made have helped me to not only overcome many situations but have able to ease the load through simple basic things, like cracking a joke, reminding me of fond memories, going for a coffee, and going dancing! These moments, when things feel dark and heavy help uplift and lighten the load of the problem.

Additionally, I have discovered that particularly in Bahrain, the friends I have made have really offered me a community that makes me feel like I belong. Despite different backgrounds, and living in different countries, the common thread between us is the very thing that bonds us. That sense of belonging is reiterated by common ground, and transcends language and cultural barriers. Our female friendship also inspire our own independence, and our own self-actualisation

some friends are good for a catch up after a long time, picking up where we left off, and then other friendships are good for every day, meme sharing and just unloading after a difficult day. Female friendships offer encouragement when you just don’t want to work out or go to that painting class, and help us to reach our full potential.

For my friends back home, friendship has been a pillar to keep me grounded to remind me where I come from and where I am going to and why my journey is important. These friends offer emotional support when I am ready to 'throw in the towel and move back' and remind me about why I am living the life I chose. And, thank goodness for that, or else I’d be spending a lot of money on unnecessary flights home!

Where the world can often make women compete, when I look around, I see women building each other up, supporting each other and helping each other to heal and grow. Friendships are the cornerstone of women’s communities, they give us light, upliftment and most importantly they relieve us of the heavy burdens we bare even in a brief moment over pizza.

LIFESTYLE | opinion
Farrah Saville revels in the joy female friendships bring to a woman’s life.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a confident extrovert who absolutely loves life! I always see the glass as half full no matter what I come across and I never take the victim mentality. I absolutely hate 'why me?' personalities or moaners. I feel when life hands you hard times you just get on with it.

What was your favourite band or musician growing up?

So relevant! Backstreet Boys were my favourite band in highschool! I never thought that one day I would see them live in concert, it’s like a dream come true!

Diamonds or pearls?

Your dream holiday destination?

Beach resorts are always my favourite. My dream is to go to Bora Bora.

What’s the most random thing in your purse right now?

Garbage! I don’t know why, but I always end up with random receipts in there.

InHerShoes

In this issue, we chat to Dana Zubari, Co-Founder of Tru Active Sportswear, founder of Lettuce Run and Co-Captain of Cycling Bees. Her energy, innovation and influence are inspiring!

Do I have to choose? I love both so why discriminate! I am a sucker for diamonds and I love wearing them on all occasions; same with my pearls! I feel everyday of your life is a special occasion, so enjoy what you have rather than saving it for that one time that it comes out of the safe for you to wear it!

Three things you don’t leave your house without?

Mobile phone, wallet, lipstick

What would you save if your house was on fire?

My family first, including the animals. Second would be my photos, specifically the old ones.

What’s a quote that never fails to inspire you?

"You do you!" I know it’s not deep but I live by it. I do what makes me feel happy. I have never cared what people’s opinions of me are and I feel that’s why I’m living my best life and thriving.

What’s your favourite movie?

If I could sit through a movie and finish it I would have an answer to this. If I had to choose I’d go back to my youth and say Clueless. I loved the whole pop culture that was built after the movie came out.

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