Woman This Month - May 2023

JUST IN TIME FOR Spring

Flowy dresses, frills, an adventurous colour palette and flora-inspired patterns make dressing up for spring a treat. We explore the beautiful SS23 collection by Johanna Ortiz that checks a lot of the right boxes.

The Johanna Ortiz SS23 collection is designed to make you feel energetic and bold with its vibrant colour palette that merges a sublime orange sunrise and hypnotic malachite green. The ideal colour palette for spring.

The collection’s exploration of textures adds a celebratory feeling this spring. The SS23 Collection features unique eyelet details inspired by Guance ancestors’ pottery, highlighting the ancient artisanal techniques celebrating the culture and skills and preserving the traditions of the past.

The collection showcases mantones that transform into dresses through the intricate art of draping. Silky tassel details and exaggerated Raffia trim make for a playful and modest look. Iridescent and sensorial, the prints come to life with 3D sequins and raffia embroideries, hand crafted with heart.

Certain whimsical pieces in the collection have been brought to life with more than 16 hours of detailed hand work, making the collection an exceptional work of art. The long flowy dresses from Johanna Ortiz’s SS23 collection are kaftan life and are ideal for those looking for a more modest look too.

Johanna Ortiz’s phenomenal selection of oversized city totes, statement necklaces and earrings are ideal for accessorising your outfit. In fact, the mini mochila has become one of JO’s most iconic pieces. For SS23 it has been reinterpreted as intricately hand woven with glass beads for the day and hand embroidered with golden palm trees and dancing silk tassels for the evening.

DEVELOPING A GREATER LIAISON

Amongst the plethora of displays at the Bahrain International Garden Show, held at Exhibition World Bahrain recently, one in particular caught our eye. The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in the State of Kuwait, which also holds accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, showcased Kenya’s famous heritage, art, tourism and of course, its wonderful tea and coffee!

Woman This Month was invited to speak to the Ambassador, Her Excellency Halima A. Mohamud, to find out more about the country’s wonderful African culture, the current state of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Bahrain, and how the Embassy helps the blossoming Kenyan community in the Kingdom.

Your Excellency, could you give our readers a brief on your political career?

My journey in public life started from my early years at university when I was a student leader. The 2010 Kenyan Constitution ushered in new opportunities for Kenyan women, youth and other marginalised communities, ensuring equal opportunities through the application of the 2/3rd Gender Rule and Affirmative Action in leadership positions.

I began working for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on issues of good governance and educating citizens on the

constitution. It is during this period that I developed a passion for politics and was nominated to the Senate in 2013. I actively took part in parliamentary debates and participated in drafting various pieces of legislation that improved the governance in the country.

Subsequently, in 2019, I was appointed Kenya’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait with multiple accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Lebanon. It has been a most fulfilling duty thus far.

How many Kenyans are currently residing in Bahrain and the wider region, and has this number grown in recent years?

We estimate that there are approximately 6,000 Kenyans in Bahrain and 250,000 Kenyans in the wider Gulf region. The number had gradually increased over the last few years, however, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted labour markets all over the world. Despite this, there are positive indications that the numbers may begin to rise again, especially if a structured engagement of managing employment and labour export between the two countries is put into place.

What sectors are they mostly engaged in?

There are many Kenyans in the semi-skilled sector including domestic house managers. Others are mainly in the security and the hospitality sector. The governments of Kenya and Bahrain are working on a framework agreement on employment of workers, and we expect that the agreement will gradually open more opportunities for Kenyan workers in Bahrain including professional cadres. Kenya has a well-educated, hardworking, young and vibrant workforce, with a very positive work ethic which makes it competitive all over the world.

What are the current trade figures between Kenya and Bahrain?

Between 2012 and 2021, Kenya’s exports to Bahrain averaged at USD5.5 million while imports from Bahrain averaged at USD150.2 million. The balance of trade is in favour of Bahrain, but as you can see, the trade volumes between the two countries remain relatively low. The fact is these figures are not representative of the immense potential that exists between the two countries for growing bilateral trade. It remains largely untapped, and Kenya is therefore keen on expanding trade and economic cooperation with Bahrain especially by encouraging our business sector to explore the available opportunities in Bahrain.

What are the most sought-after products traded between the two countries?

Kenya’s principal export product to Bahrain in 2021 was sheep and goat meat, either fresh, chilled or frozen, which accounted for 71.4 percent of Kenya’s total exports. Other key export products include cut flowers, dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes, nuts, tea and coffee.

On the other hand, Kenya’s leading and main import products from Bahrain in 2021 included iron parts or non-alloy steel, petroleum oil products, unwrought aluminium, chemical products and textile materials.

What has your experience been like in Bahrain and how have you found the response to your Kenyan products like the

tea, coffee and art?

Participating at the Bahrain International Garden Show has been a valuable and eye-opening experience for us. From the interactions we have had at our stand and the follow-up discussions with potential importers, I can say without doubt that there is a huge interest in Kenyan products especially coffee and tea, beyond the meat which is already established in the market here. For example, one of the patrons at the stand told us how they have to travel to Saudi Arabia to buy a Kenyan tea brand that they love! Therefore, we intend to closely follow up on the contacts we have developed in the market to link them up with suppliers in Kenya. Tourism has a big potential also, and we intend to open discussions with tourism players in Bahrain on how to develop the potential in this area.

In what ways do you promote the relationship between Bahrain and Kenya?

Kenya and Bahrain enjoys very warm and cordial relations. In fact, the dialogue and interactions between officials of our two governments has been very positive. But there’s an acknowledgment now on the need to develop our bilateral ties to emphasise areas that deliver concrete mutual benefits to the people of our two countries. Forging closer trade and economic cooperation is therefore a key pillar for our bilateral relations. Therefore participating in exhibitions is a deliberate effort to actualise and move the focus towards this priority. We intend to tap into the historical ties between our peoples and the now growing people-to people connections to open further opportunities and pave the way for a more robust engagement between our two friendly countries.

Are there any high-level visits planned between the two countries, and do you yourself have any future visits to Bahrain planned?

Kenya has participated in the IISS Manama Dialogue numerous times, which is the preeminent peace and security forum in the region and beyond. Kenya has been sending

high level representatives in policy-making positions and the interactions and insights gleaned from the forum have been very illuminating and valuable. We look forward to attending the next edition.

Our countries are also discussing ways of strengthening bilateral relations through revitalisation of the existing bilateral cooperation frameworks and exploring new areas of partnership. Therefore, in the near future, the two countries will hold bilateral consultations in Nairobi aimed at setting out priority areas of cooperation within the context of the Joint Commission for Cooperation. Personally, I have a brief from my government to help to bring the relationship between our two countries to its full potential. That task requires me to work closely with Bahrain authorities including the Foreign Ministry and the private sector. Therefore, I am always planning for my next trip here. Furthermore, we also have quite a significant Kenyan diaspora community that is constantly in need of consular services.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to recognise the keen interest that our two governments have taken in seeking to develop closer cooperative relations. I am committed to doing everything I can to achieve progress on that front including by promoting greater liaison between our counterpart government departments and assisting to promote and intensify interactions between our business and private

In Vivid Colour

Bright colours, abstract shapes and visual storytelling make the unique works of Bahraini artist Mariam Dashti unmistakable. She tells Farah Baig about how a dream and revisiting her passion for art led her down a colourful path to artistic fulfilment.

“Bahrain’s art scene is a growing community full of talented Bahrainis unleashing their creativity in various ways. People are finding their passion and pursuing it; it’s wonderful to witness that.” These are the words of Mariam Dashti, a talented Bahraini herself, who is making waves on the art scene.

Having graduated from Leeds University with a Master’s Degree in Economics, Mariam initially ventured out into the corporate world, pursuing a career in banking. “It didn't take long for me to realise that banking was not for me. So, a couple of years later I decided to quit my job and figure out what truly ignites my soul,” she says.

In 2018, Mariam dreamt that she was painting on a large wall – a dream that would lead to a blossoming career in art. “When I woke up, I thought ‘Why don’t I start painting again?’ but it had been 10 years since I’d stopped when I left Bahrain to study abroad,” she reminisces. “It felt new to me so I was struggling to achieve the results I wanted, but I am a keen learner… so I did some research and found Artology, and that's where I rediscovered the artist within me.”

Mariam’s preferred medium is acrylics and her art is identified by its bold, vibrant colours

and unique abstract figures. “Colour and shape play a major part in my work. When all the elements are eventually brought together in a painting, it becomes a journey of communication between the viewer and myself,” she explains.

Most artists typically have a plan before starting a painting, but that isn’t Mariam’s approach. “I like to pour my heart out first and then make sense of what I see. That’s something I love about art – it has no rules. My inner thoughts, feelings and experiences inspire each of my paintings. So, they each tell a story or, oftentimes, more than one story,” she says.

“Each canvas is a journey of its own. Each painting has its struggles and triumphs, and each painting represents a unique time in my life. When you buy a painting from an artist, you are buying more than just a painting. You are buying a part of someone's soul,” she adds.

She now aspires to hold her first solo art exhibition, with a long-term goal being to penetrate the international art market while being recognised as an artist internationally.

“My paintings are displayed at Fakhrawi Gallery from time to time, and I have participated in a few exhibitions in the past. This year I have been selected as a participant in the 49th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition - a great honour for me!” she says enthusiastically.

“Art at its core should make you feel something. People often measure art solely by its beauty, but art is so much more. It is in the portrayal of the artist’s profound emotions. It’s in the conveyance of a concept or idea between the artist and the perceiver. It’s in seeing things from another’s viewpoint. It’s a door for conversations and sharing the way we experience the world. Art connects us with something bigger than ourselves,” she concludes.

To keep up with Mariam and her stunning art, follow @mariamdashti_art on Instagram or email mariamdashtiart@gmail.com.

Say Hi! to Hydrated Hair

Your hair and humidity are not friends. Amp up your hydration routine to keep your hair tangle-free and healthy throughout the summer months. The Hair Addict, the natural hair platform that empowers people to embrace their naturally textured hair, is here to help with its Frizz-Off range.

The all-inclusive, sustainable products help tame humidity-induced frizz with a low-chemical, damage-free formula. It also necessary moisture and nourishment to keep the hair hydrated, frizz-free, and healthy. From the range, one of our absolute favourite products to achieve ultimate hair hydration is The Hair Addict’s Frizz-Off Deep Conditioner. Just as the use of a normal, daily conditioner is great for your hair, humidity requires some deep nourishment. Use it a maximum of three times a week to give your hair that healthy, frizz-free volume.

Available at thehairaddict.net

Rejuvenating

It’s no secret that we’re all beautiful in our own way. Making use of beauty products is all about accentuating our features and showing ourselves a little TLC. Here are some of our highly-recommended essentials to do just that!

DEMYSTIFYING RETINOL

Retinol is almost always the answer to pretty much any skin issue you can think of — acne, fine lines, dark spots, drooping, dullness, dark circles, enlarged pores and more. The right retinol products can help address all these concerns and improve the skin's appearance upon consistent use. Simply put, retinol is a form of Vitamin A – an ingredient that is used in skincare products because of its superpower ability to speed up skin cell renewal and enhance collagen production.

While retinol may seem like it ticks every one of your boxes, it is important to use it carefully. As the ingredient is heavily potent in nature, when overused it could cause dryness and irritation. And with the Middle East’s sun usually at its peak, the use of it at regular intervals will help reduce the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Hence, it’s important to complete your routine with a trusted sunscreen.

The best way to introduce retinol into your skincare regime is to start with a low concentration until you build up your tolerance bit by bit. If you’d like to give retinol a try, check out Superdrug’s Optimum Firming Anti-Ageing Face Serum Retinol, Skin Proud’s Recharge 1% Retinol Serum Night Cream, RoC’s Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum or Hada Labo Tokyo’s AntiAgeing Super Hydrator Lotion Face Cream.

Available on watsons.ae

Flaunt Flawless Beauty with KAMIRA

Koreans have truly perfected skincare with their routines being a worldwide sensation. KAMIRA cosmetics, a newly launched luxurious skincare brand from Korea, is just what you need to reinvigorate your skincare routine. Derived and inspired from the beauty of the moon, KAMIRA’s beauty range is light and illuminates your glow. KAMIRA’s 24 Carat Gold & Royal Caviar range is suitable for all skin types, tones, and texture.

We love the luxe KAMIRA Serum - a refreshing blend, containing highlyconcentrated naturally-derived ingredients to restore skin texture and complexion. The lightweight formula gives the skin a detox with gold extract, caviar and hyaluronic acid which rejuvenates the skin and acts as a booster for glow.

Available at kamiracosmetics.com

Mood-Boosting Flormar

It’s comforting to know that internationally acclaimed makeup brand Flormar’s new Mood Booster collection is inspired by the positive impact makeup can have. Featuring a range of blushes and illuminators, the moodenhancing collection allows one to perfect that rosy glow, boosting serotonin levels as one indulges in the joy and creativity of colour cosmetics.

Choose from four gorgeous liquid blushers from the Flormar Mood Booster Blush collection which provides a naturally flushed and lively appearance with its weightless silky formula. The buildable formula is enriched with green tea extract, which has moisturising and refreshing effects, it can be used as little and as much as you desire. Alternatively, you can accentuate your natural glow with this light, creamy Flormar Mood Booster Illuminator which can be applied as a highlighter or mixed in with your foundation for a natural glow. The illuminator is available in three shades: Moon Glow, Sun Goddess and Bronze Glow.

Available at Flormar stores.

HYDRATE WITH N°1 DE CHANEL

Planning on vacationing in a cooler location this month? We’ve got just the product for you. CHANEL has harnessed the goodness of the red camellia – a fleshy, dense and radiant flower – and applied it to a new skincare product: N°1 DE CHANEL Rich Revitalising Cream.

The camellia is always a step ahead, working permanently to produce new stems, branches, leaves, and when winter comes, flowers meaning it can withstand cool conditions and regenerate itself perpetually.

CHANEL Research has developed an anti-aging skincare product enriched with camellia ceramides, produced through a process that is entirely natural. Ceramides are lipids naturally found in our skin that play a vital role in keeping it healthy by creating a barrier to lock in moisture so wrinkles are minimised.

The Rich Revitalising Cream is the new ally for combating signs of aging. The red camellia extract acts on the N°1 stage of skin aging by boosting the vitality of skin cells and keeping skin hydrated.

Available at leading beauty stockists.

MAKING MISTAKES IS FINE.

We put padding on the sharp corners of the coffee table. We put dangerous chemicals in locked cabinets and make children hold our hand in car parks. In the first few years of their life, we see them as incapable of 'good' judgment and keeping themselves safe. They need constant supervision by a responsible adult.

But in just a few short years, our babies become toddlers, our toddlers become school-age children and our school-age children become teenagers. As they get older, they need us less and less for their physical safety—but our parental protective instincts are still there. Consequently, for many of us, our focus shifts to protecting them from disappointment, sadness, frustration and struggle—their emotional safety.

But, this is where I am going to invite you to consider another perspective. Could a little disappointment, sadness, frustration and struggle be a good thing? Think of it this way: it is kind of like physical exercise. The benefits are only gained as you work through the pain and discomfort.

So, what are the benefits of your teenager making a mistake and then working through the emotional pain to find a solution? Resiliency and resourcefulness.

Now I know what you are probably thinking: "That sounds awesome, but I can’t just leave them hanging." The key is to make the shift from your instinctive desire to protect or rescue your teenager, to the long term goal of their personal development.

As parents, we are instinctively inclined to protect our children. We wouldn’t want them to experience negative emotions or make mistakes, right?

Ouiam El Hassani tells us otherwise and shares her tips on how to let our teenagers make mistakes, with emotional growth in mind.

Here are three key steps you can take to let your teenager make mistakes:

1. Move from a 'rescue' to an 'empowerment' mindset.

The reality is that your teenager is going to make mistakes. Our role as parents is to empower them so that they learn as much as possible as they work to overcome the circumstances of their choices. Any'bad' choice made by your teenager is a tremendous opportunity for personal growth, but in order for them to benefit from these lessons, parents would have to resist the urge to rescue their kids and shift to an empowerment mindset.

This first step, a shift in your perspective, is letting go of the belief that your teenager can’t handle the struggle or find a solution to their problems. Focus your attention on their strengths and potential. Trust their ability to do the right thing, or at least what they see right.

2. Provide a safe space for their negative emotions to dissipate.

A teenager is not in a position to grow and learn when they are overwhelmed with negative emotions. Consequently, the second step in your efforts to empower your teenager is to provide a safe place for any negative emotions to dissipate.

The key here is to stay grounded in compassion and forgiveness. If you find yourself getting pulled into the negative emotions your teenager is experiencing, take a few deep breaths and say something like this to yourself, “I can best serve my child right now by providing a safe space for them to regain their composure. My job is to listen and engage with a compassionate and forgiving heart.”

Teenagers make mistakes. The question is how do the mistakes se rve them in their journey to becoming an adult? If your goal is to empower them to be their absolute best, try the three steps I have outlined the next tim e your teenager gets into a tough spot. A change in perspective can change everything.

Rolls Royce Ghabga

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bahrain held a Media Ghabga at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

3. Give the problem back to them. Step three is to give the problem back to your teenager and use open-ended questions to help them come up with a plan of action. Here is what this would sound like: “This is a difficult situation you have gotten yourself into, but you are a smart kid, so I am sure you can handle it. What do you need to do first?”

EXPLORING THE NORTH

When compiling a list of the major sightseeing hotspots in England, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find it heavily London-centric. However, England’s Northern heartland is home to a trove of tourist treasures all in itself. Natives will tell you that, at least culturally, it’s almost a different country; full of charms, gorgeous countryside and quirky accents. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, which show that the wondrous nature of the country doesn’t completely lie on the banks of the Thames and there’s far more to the North than wind and rain.

York is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history stretching back two millennia. Full of charming and historical gems, its masterpiece is undoubtedly York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals Europe. Completed in the 15th century, it is Gothic and atmospheric, full of gargoyles, stained glass windows (including the Great East Window– the largest in Europe) and imposing lofty architecture.While in town, stop by The Perky Peacock located in an old watchtower along the River Ouse, now owned and ran by former Bahrain This Month motoring correspondent Dick Potter!

YORK

If you plan on visiting the UK, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the North. Kristian Harrison shares his suggestions for the best attractions and districts up north.

ANGEL OF THE NORTH

Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is the UK’s most famous piece of public art. It first spread its wings in February 1998 and at 54m wide and 20m high, it is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. Located in Gateshead, close to Newcastle, it’s a perfect spot for one of those famous Instagram ‘angel wings’ photos.

MANCHESTER

Being one of the larger cities in England, there’s a whole heap of amazing things to see and do whilst in Manchester. It has a long, industrial history and you can explore it in both the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. If you’re a football fan, there’s the National Football Museum, and of course, the iconic home of Manchester United, Old Trafford. It’s also a vibrant, modern city with fantastic nightlife, particularly in the Northern Quarter. Fans of Indian food should also check out the iconic Curry Mile, which needs little further explanation!

BLACKPOOL

Blackpool is an archetypal English seaside experience. It has the iconic Blackpool Tower, a landmark built in 1894 as the Eiffel Tower’s replica. The tower houses some of the town’s best attractions, including a circus, glass walkway and an ornate Victorian ballroom. If you visit between September and January, you can see the Blackpool Illuminations which are made up of around one million light bulbs. Fish and chips are optional.

LIVERPOOL

HADRIAN’S WALL

Built to guard the Roman Empire’s wild northern frontier from barbarians in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall is much more than a barricade. It is a World Heritage Site where you can discover the remains of the towers, forts, towns and turrets that once kept a watch over the 120km-long wall. In fact, Hadrian’s Wall is considered to be the inspiration for The Wall in Game of Thrones. There is also a beautiful museum at the site that showcases the rich history of the Romans.

BAMBURGH CASTLE

Of course, most people know Liverpool as the hometown of the Beatles. It’s paradise on Earth if you’re a fan of the band, and the city hardly hides its connections with memorabilia and statues dotted everywhere, particularly on Mathew Street, home of the iconic Cavern Club. That being said, there’s so much more to experience. Explore the waterfront (marked by a trio of buildings adorned by Liver Birds known as the Three Graces), one or both of Liverpool’s two cathedrals, a number of art galleries and the Royal Albert Dock to find out more about the famous port’s past, or go on a stadium tour at Anfield.

THE LAKE DISTRICT

With beautiful villages, historic locations and ancient castles scattered throughout the area, the beauty of The Lake District will certainly enchant you. Whether you fancy swimming, sailing or simply heading out onto Lake Windermere for kayaking, you’ll surely find something you love here. There are also tons of places to drink and eat in the Lakes, from Michelin-star restaurants to historic pubs where you can enjoy hearty meals. It is also known for its fantastic mountains and trails, such as England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike –you can hike.

Fringed by miles of sandy beach, Bamburgh is a magnificent coastal town in the heart of Northumberland renowned for its famous castle, walking and coastline trails. This quaint small town is home to Grace Darling, Victorian England’s heroine who rescued the SS Forfarshire wreck survivors in 1838. Bamburgh Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Europe, is an immensely popular tourist attraction renowned for its stately rooms, ghostly history, action-packed events calendar and stunning setting.

Let’s Talk About

SINGLE EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES

It’s no secret that organisations provide married employees with certain benefits. Eman Deabil believes that single employees, too, can create a better world and highlights the need to offer personalised benefits to all employees regardless of their marital status.

Acouple of weeks ago, I watched a video that I found provocative and quite frankly… pathetic. This wasn’t because it was true, but rather because the community is not doing anything to mitigate the impact of the risk highlighted. In the video, the speaker quoted a report which

Exploring the Benefits of Married Employees

All organisations (without exceptions) offer more benefits to employees who are married. Single employees, on the other hand, are out of the scene and no personalised benefits are given to them even though they are great cost savers, and great sources to serve the community as a whole – points that I shall elaborate on within the article.

When it comes to benefits provided to married employees, the list is significant:

- Guess who’s getting schooling fees for children? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting maternity and paternity leave? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting medical insurance for dependents? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting mortgage loans? Married employees!

And the list goes on and on.

showed that by 2030, 45 percent of working women ages 25-45, will be unmarried, with no kids and single. He then concluded by highlighting that despite making money, those women will not be genuinely fulfilled in life! Regardless of whether or not what he said makes sense, it is not applicable

to all women as there are many exceptions. Furthermore, there is one fact that we must admit: organisations are not doing anything to mitigate this risk or reduce its impact. This is despite the fact that they can turn it into an opportunity and contribute to creating a better world.

When it comes to single employees, there are no personalised benefits whatsoever. Instead, they are scrutinised by their colleagues if they stay extra hours at work or work from home or on weekends as they believe this may negatively impact the image of their married colleagues who may

not be able to do the same due to family commitments. They are also often told that they do not have a work-life balance because many of them tend to prioritise work over life, with the lives of many singles revolving around work as is!

Understanding the Needs of Single Employees

Given that singles have a different set of priorities in comparison to their colleagues, we need to look at things from their perspective and never neglect that they might be different:

- They don’t need medical insurance for their children, but they might need it for their aging parents.

- They don’t need schooling fees for their children, but they might need it for their younger siblings or their nieces and nephews.

Are Companies Taking Advantage?

It’s unfortunate that these days there are organisations that tend to hire singles just because they are big cost-savers since no benefits of this sort will be granted to them! Yet if such benefits are to be substituted, both singles and married people would be standing on equal footing during the hiring process, no preferences will be given, and marital status will be of no importance, instead, the quality of the candidate will prevail. After all, marriage is not a privilege, it’s a choice. While we’re asking for equality and fairness to people with disabilities, people with special needs, people belonging to different ethnicity groups or different religions, and inclusion of both genders at all levels, let’s not forget that there are people who choose to stay single, or are yet to find the right partner.

If organisations need to set a control –although that could be contradictory to equality, then they can simply state (as examples) medical insurance for singles is up to one dependent, schooling is applicable only to one child. Or they simply substitute it with other benefits: encashment for instance, one fully sponsored vacation, sponsorship for higher studies etc. Alternatively, to make it generic for all employees regardless of any consideration they could have stipulations for benefits such as medical insurance where it is limited to three selected dependents.

Thinking Outside the Box

But guess what, there is a bright side to this; there is a huge social impact if we apply some of the ideas and link it to the Sustainable Development Goals and then report it proudly. For instance, there are many orphans in our world today who are unprivileged, and many single employees who are privileged, how do you feel as an organisation connecting these two together and offering the single a full sponsorship to a child. This could possibly transform the lives of both and contribute to creating a better world. This is a simple idea; innovative ideas have no ceilings!

The bottom line is organisations need to be inclusive to all and offer personalised benefits to ensure fair treatment is extended to all employees. For each benefit offered to married employees, there must be a counter benefit offered to single employees.

The Things We Don’t Say

SUMMERTIME SADNESS

With mixed messaging on social media, and the narrative surrounding bodies over the years, summer can be a tough month for a lot of us. Farrah Saville talks about the lack of optimism around bodies and the need to accept ourselves.

As we enter the month of May I am reminded by the shops around me that summer is indeed here. And, when you’re an expat in the Middle East, summer really screams summer. Over the years, I have often felt shamed by this season. Bikini bods, fresh summer salads, and enjoying long dips in the pool or sea have made me and this body feel a little left out. I would often go to beaches and not fully be present or enjoy myself because I wondered how I looked to others.

Over the years, the feelings worsened and I think the mixed messaging from social platforms and media definitely contributed to it. So, there was definite messaging around the gym bunny culture for extended periods of time during the 80s when I grew up (Hello, Jane Fonda!) and then this trend continued in beauty and fashion magazines in the 90s. Enter the era of Instagram and the perfect body foundations were sealed into my twenties.

Over the last few years, the messaging from platforms like Tiktok has been somewhat mixed, adding to the feelings of confusion and lack of optimism around my own body positivity. So, messaging like ‘love your body’ on one feed may be misinterpreted as accepting that being unhealthy is okay and that taking steps toward being healthy often doesn’t fit the agenda of 'loving yourself'.

Diet culture is also another factor which has played out over the years, “Here’s a recipe to bake a cake”, “Eat healthy!” or “Salads don’t keep you full”. Within the scroll of a button, you can be left spiraling about what exactly equates to a healthy body, what to eat and of course wondering about all the mistakes you have made with your own health journey. It can all be a little confusing feeling like there is an information overload which can so easily be internalised!

As I look at my daughter, I hope that social media will be a thing of the past when she

grows up for these mixed if not negative and incorrect messaging.

If it does continue, then I would love the focus to be on health and living healthy from a scientific perspective. For example, more and more research says that exercise alone is more beneficial for your mental health then it is for losing weight, that the body mass index measurement may not be accurate (according to an article published on Medical News Today) and that certain fats may be good for you.

I hope that the source of information evolves so that it is science-based and easily accessible and understandable. I hope the focus is on a healthy body and mind instead of what your body looks like.

More importantly, I hope she gets to see and have a healthy mama, who is happy in her body so that she may do the same for herself and accept who she is while maintaining being healthy without it being such an effort but instead a way of life.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m living life to its fullest and I’m always positive! I always want to fulfil the highest, truest expression of myself as a human being.

Tell us three things that are currently on your bucket list? Continue my PhD studies, and develop my work and progress in my career while travelling to new countries.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

What is one of the most memorable books you have read?

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama.

InHerShoes

This month, we take a peek into the life of a hardworking individual with strong ethics – Vice President (Technical) at the Bahrain Society for Training and Development (BSTD), Sara Abdin Abdulla. She is a shining example of ambition and is passionate about learning new things and challenging herself to do better. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

A weekend with balance between relaxation and happy productivity. It's a time to catch up on rest, spend quality time with family and friends, and also take on new projects or hobbies. It's a time to kick back and enjoy the simple things in life that bring me joy, while taking advantage of opportunities to learn and grow.

Any hidden talents?

Writing poetry from time to time.

What would you say is your ultimate dream?

To be able to make an impact on the world through my work and help others in any way I can. I want to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference and create positive change in the lives of those around me, especially my daughter Joan and my family members.

Your favourite movie is: Erin Brockovich.

Do you have any phobias?

I have a phobia of heights.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

It would be the ability to read people's minds. It could be extremely useful because it will allow me to better understand the motivations and intentions of others, anticipate their reactions, and respond accordingly in order achieve the desired results.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?

There are many gifts, especially when they are unexpected.

Ataa ISR Society’s Ghabga