Woman This Month - March 2023

Local and regional brands have been intricately weaving their presence into the international fashion scene. Their creativity, powerful statement pieces and designs have proven to be quite unique to say the least.

Azzalia, the premier Emirati luxury fashion brand known for its timeless and sophisticated designs, is welcoming the year with glitz and glamour as it proudly announces the release of its much-awaited collection, The Wedding Edition. This capsule collection showcases an exquisite range of pieces for modish women to wear dauntlessly on nuptials, galas, and special occasions. It is absolutely spectacular and we loved admiring every detail.

Luxury meets modern, The Wedding Edition is inspired by the rich, historical culture of Byzantium which is evident in the collection's intricate patterns and designs. The byzantine gold touch is reflected in luxurious metal embroidery that comes in a deep classic style blended with coveted silhouettes and colours.

Created with the contemporary woman in mind, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship, each statement piece is made from the finest fabrics, with elaborate embellishments and details that add a touch of elegance and savoir-faire to the overall aesthetic. Featuring lavish layers and

enchanting embroideries, the collection is designed to produce a truly unforgettable look. Azzalia is renowned for its commitment to ageless ultra-chic designs, and The Wedding Edition is no exception. From classic tulle skirts and silk blazers to more cosmopolitan designs, such as couture abayas and fully embellished bustiers, this collection ensures that there is something for everyone. And with their focus on quality and being fashionforward, these ensembles are sure to satisfy the discerning palate of the fashion-conscious. The brand was founded by Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum, the Creative Director. The name is derived from a combination of the names of her two daughters: Azza and Alia. Additionally, the combination of the names forms a homonym for the ‘Azalea’ flower. Flowers provide a great deal of inspiration, not just in the name of the brand, but also in the approach to design, using natural materials and couture sewing techniques. With years of passion and experience behind Azzalia, the Founder has created a brand that encapsulates the spirit of luxury, opulence, and grandeur.

The Wedding Edition is now available for purchase at select partners (Galeries Lafayette, Ounass, Tryano, MIRA Y MANO, Thouqi, Boksha, and Wolf & Badger) and online at the brand's website.

Emirati luxury fashion brand, Azzalia, unveils its stunning new collection - The Wedding Edition.

Celebrating Women

On March 8 every year, the world celebrates women and their achievements as they mark International Women’s Day. Through our International Women’s Day feature, the Woman This Month team would like to highlight exceptional women in Bahrain’s society that you should know.

“Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.”

In 1954, these words were famously spoken by Nobel Prize-winning British author William Golding, author of Lord of the Flies. There are several quotes that speak of the sheer strength, determination and capabilities of women in our lives and rightfully so. As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight this year’s campaign: #EmbraceEquity. The goal, as always, for each and every one of us, is to not just view the occasion as a single day to celebrate, but rather a catalyst to drive positive change. The belief behind this year’s campaign is that gender equity must be an essential part of society creating an inclusive world for the social, economic, cultural and political advancement of women.

While the words equity and equality are often used interchangeably, there is in fact a difference. Equality means each individual

or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities while equity recognises that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. Simply put: it is providing each individual with the resources they need to be successful.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has made great strides in ensuring that women are represented across various field, and continues to make progress. Local and expatriate women alike are provided with excellent opportunities to progress in their respective fields. Meanwhile Bahraini women are key players in the Kingdom’s development and play a role in politics, social development, business and more.

The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) which was established on August 22, 2001 has been a champion for women in Bahrain’s society. The council, which is chaired by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and Supreme Council for Women (SCW) President, is committed to addressing women’s needs to enable them to reach their full potential. It comprises at least 16 members at any given time who are female public figures and leaders in women's affairs and related activities, and actively aims to

highlight Bahraini women as role models in the region.

Bahraini women and their achievements are celebrated every year on December 1 through a host of activities across the island. The first Bahraini Women’s Day was launched in 2008 by HRH Princess Sabeeka. In order to celebrate the crucial role that Bahraini women play in society, SCW inaugurated a national monument named ‘Athar’ on Bahraini Women’s Day in 2022. The spectacular monument is the outcome of an architectural youth competition named ‘Fakhr’ (Pride), which was organised by SCW in cooperation with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in 2017 to mark the Bahraini Women’s Day. The geometric monument focuses on four essential aspects: the sea given its close affinity to Bahrain’s society, women ‘as human’ representing their various roles, women ‘as a worthy partner’ enriching society and ‘engineering’ depicting precision, balance and perfection.

The Woman This Month team would like to wish all our readers a very Happy International Women’s Day! May you all be rewarded for your efforts, reach your full potential and be the picture of success.

PUTTING YOUR HEALTH FIRST

Health is one of the key factors that determines the quality of life one is living. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we speak to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant at Middle East Hospital, Dr. Sahar Zaki Al Marsoomi. She tells us about the essential practices for women to maintain their health and answers questions related to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, feminine health misconceptions and more.

Dr. Sahar Zaki Al Masoomi has over 20 years of experience in the field of women’s healthcare. The doctor is specialised in providing care for pregnant women throughout their pregnancy through to their delivery.

with C-sections, dealing with gynecological

She states that the patient’s age and health are two of the biggest determining factors when deciding how often you must visit your gynecologist for a check-up. “Seeing a gynecologist frequently ensures that health problems are detected, diagnosed, and treated early. According to medical experts you should have a pelvic exam and well women checkup once every one to two years. These check-ups should be more frequent if you have any health

Women have long been known to care for all those around them, but it is imperative that they too make their health a top priority as having good health is, naturally, vital. “There are a few things that women can keep in mind.

First and foremost, they must eat and sleep well. They must also hydrate their body, exercise regularly, reduce stress, quit smoking, and keep their hands, body, clothes, bedding, food and other belongings clean to prevent diseases,” she advises.

There are several misconceptions when it comes to women’s health and hygiene. These include

the misconception that you require special products to clean your privates, that vaginal discharge means you have a yeast infection, that you must get a pap smear every year or that if you have the HPV virus you have cervical cancer. “In addition, it is a misconception that you must avoid exercising while having your period, or that pain during your period is normal and that you must get used to it,” she says.

The number of patients with Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) has been growing across the world. Dr. Sahar states that one of the best practices that patients can follow is to reduce stress levels by engaging in activities that keep them happy, being with people they love and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“A PCO journey may be long and tedious, but it is important for you to stay strong and never give up. You can do it! Be sure to make changes in your lifestyle such as having a healthy and balanced diet, increase water intake and exercise. In addition, be sure to monitor your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels as they may require certain medications,” she explains.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Dr. Sahar urges women to make their health a priority. “Every year on March 8, we mark International Women’s Day to celebrate and commemorate women’s achievements,” she says. “Women around the world manage responsibilities at work and home. In an effort to achieve work-life balance many women neglect the one thing they shouldn’t - their health.”

“On this occasion, I would like to remind you to love yourself, understand your worth and value, teach people how to treat and respect you, and last but most importantly, get regular check-ups. Be sure to have your pap smear and mammogram in addition to checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, teeth and eyes. Put your health first,” she concludes.

THE EPITOME OF LEADERSHIP

There are several essential values that embody a true leader; among these clear communication, and the ability to influence and inspire, be authentic and adapt are vital. This month, Farah Baig, speaks to a truly inspirational woman who not only possesses these qualities, but perfects them –Eman Deabil. The proud Bahraini, who was born, raised and educated in the Kingdom, is currently leading the Transformation Management Office (TMO) at one of the biggest banks in Bahrain.

Forover 15 years, Eman Deabil’s life has been in two parallels: one focused on learning and the other on building a career. The goal-oriented Bahraini hence has several qualifications and prestigious career highlights to her name. Ms. Deabil is a Chartered Manager by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), a doctorate candidate researching the impact of ESG Adoption and a published author with three published collaborative books and one still in the making.

She has also spoken at local and international forums, been an awards winner in project management and a judge at PMO awards global competitions. “On the career front, I’ve changed my job six times, worked with more than 15 bosses, met hundreds of people at all levels, and had the opportunity to experience different professions,” says Ms. Deabil.

On the learning front, she currently holds three Masters Degrees and over ten professional certifications in different fields. “I’m proud to be the first Bahraini lady who obtained the Portfolio Management Professional (PMI-PfMP) – the most prestigious certificate in project management. This is in addition to being the first Bahraini to obtain the Strategy Implementation Professional (SIP) from the Strategy Implementation Institute,” she says.

Given that Eman changed jobs many times, one of the most significant changes she had to deal with was related to the personalities of people. “Every boss has a different leadership style, every team has different characteristics, every member of the team requires a different way of management,” she says. “Accommodating all these types of personalities was one of the challenges that I overcome by building my emotional and political intelligence over the years.”

“Being a female leading a team of males or even females was another challenge; unlike my male colleagues, I had to prove that I deserve this position all the time by excelling in what I do, and demonstrating the value I add,” she adds.

Through her contributions, recently published in Woman This Month, Ms. Deabil has reflected on women’s representation in the boardroom.

“Although the percentage of women representation in Bahrain listed companies is 5.9 percent (2022), I think our kingdom has come a long way in empowering and enabling women at different fronts,” she says.

“Today, what we’re looking at is not quantity (represented by higher percentages) but rather, quality. To have a real impact, we need strong, active, knowledgeable and experienced women at board level to drive change and contribute positively and effectively to decision making,” she adds.

As for young women pursuing leadership roles, Eman encourages them to work on several factors including building a strong value system, developing a personal brand and expanding their network. “You must also learn as you go as learnability is a great characteristic of future leaders. In addition, you should build your experience; work in something you like and excel in it. It’s never too late to find your passion,” she says.

As for balancing personal and professional responsibilities, Eman says: “I think it all starts by defining your goals in life, and setting the right priorities to them, assessing those goals as you go in life, and keep practicing this prioritisation exercise. Many women have already proven that they are able to juggle many balls at the same time, switch hats and practice multiple roles.”

The high-quality lifestyle baby brand Milk It Baby was founded in Hong Kong in 2020, by Bahrain-based fashion and lifestyle influencer Roshini Daswani, in partnership with her husband, brother and sisterin-law. What was the belief behind Milk It Baby? That playtime should be adventurous and educational, without compromising on parents’ personal style, luxury, environmental-consciousness and aesthetics.

Inspired by cultures from around the world, Milk It Baby’s travel- and culture-based designs are perfect to invoke a love of colour, art and adventure - benefitting children’s early-stage development.

The brand stands out among other babycentric brands as its products are truly unique designed specifically for new millennial mamas allowing them to experience motherhood in line with its brand phrase 'playtime just got trendy'.

All Milk It Baby’s products have grown popular as they are extremely versatile, useful and serve a functional necessity for babies and infants - from beautiful print illustrations on reversible play mats for safe play and early learning development, aestheticallypleasing teethers for soothing relief, aesthetic silicone bib, spill-proof suction bowl, bamboo tableware for eco-friendly and sustainable cutlery that nurture strong values early. With incredibly aesthetic designs, Milk It Baby products make for great photo opportunities, encouraging all parents to enjoy and capture precious memories.

Milk It Baby believes the world through the eyes of an infant is a fantasy waiting to be explored and as a result its products emphasise real life and everyday visuals to promote strong recollection when they are out and about. In fact, when one of Milk

It Baby’s founders delivered her first born during the pandemic and was unable to find educational and aesthetic baby products, the idea of a beautiful city tour play mat which would allow her child to go on an adventure from the comforts of her home was born. The play mats allow children to learn about landmarks, food and culture from cities like Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and more. A different and exciting design is currently in the works – it is something fans and customers have been eager to see for quite some time.

Milk It Baby prioritises safety first making it a prime choice for the well-being of parents. It prides itself in being exceptional in both design, function and 100 percent baby-safe. Constantly re-inventing products through fun and innovative ways ensures its products are not just beautiful but also low maintenance and stress-free. All its products are vigorously tested and are CE and EN71 compliant to meet local and international safety standards. Furthermore, Milk It Baby products are made from the highest quality, eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Roshini Daswani shares her advice for first-time mothers: “Be kind to yourself! Motherhood can be overwhelming with a never ending list of things your baby needs.

Remember the only thing your baby really needs is YOU. When you are happy, your baby feeds off of that energy. Your experience of motherhood stems from that emotional connection with your baby. Everything else will fall into place and you will find the routine and balance that works best for your child and you.”

With new products in development expanding on its existing categories and a couple of exciting new launches that will be very relevant and useful for new parents, make sure to keep a close watch on @milkitbabyofficial on Instagram and www.milkitbaby.shop.

Milk It Baby products are available to shop online with international shipping at www. milkitbaby.shop as well as in Bahrain at Baby Essentials in Seef Mall and online at Kewalrams.com (Instagram: @kewalrams.bh).

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

St Christopher's School Bahrain has been recognised as one of the world's best private schools by Spear's School Index and Carfax Education for two consecutive years. In addition to the highly prestigious accolades, the school is recognised for its multinational student body and eight-member Leadership Team of which four are highly-qualified women.

St Christopher’s School has long been known to be a reflection of the Kingdom's diverse and culturallyrich population, boasting a multinational student body from 70 different nations. Further, the school’s alumni have gone on to have tremendous success in their tertiary education, careers and lives.

As the only school in Bahrain to be present on the list in 2021 and 2022, St Christopher’s School is immensely proud to have included the Kingdom of Bahrain in this prestigious list of the world's best schools. "The Spear’s index is the only researchbased worldwide index of the very finest private schools, and is a valuable resource for our audience when making some of their most important decisions: where to educate their children. Inclusion depends on the very highest standards in the classroom and world-class facilities for the pupils," said Ian Douglas, Head of Research and Insight at Spear's.

The school has also achieved the coveted ‘Gold Standard’ - the highest possible ratings in all their school inspections. With a commitment to the positive mental health and wellbeing of the school community, St Christopher’s was delighted to have recently been awarded the highest entry award in the School Mental Health Awards from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health. Furthermore, St Christopher’s School is recognised as being one of the top international schools in the region.

In addition, the school has developed a bespoke curriculum, the Future Ready Curriculum (FRC) - a one-of-a-kind holistic framework that prepares and equips students with contemporary skills, knowledge, and understanding to ensure success in further education and future careers.

The guidance of the school’s Leadership Team has been essential in receiving these honours and developing the school’s approach. Of the eight members, four are women (pictured from left to right): Head of Senior School, Yasmine Dannawy, Director of Marketing,

The men and women who make up the staff community at St Christopher’s School Bahrain all have one common goal - a worldclass education for their students. “Our ethos of educating our students though nurturing and empowering them is embodied by our leadership team and is embedded in every decision that is made at St Chris. While the appointment of these roles was not an intentional decision based on gender, rather on matching the most qualified individuals to each role, having a well-balanced leadership ensures that decisions and outcomes are also wellbalanced and inclusive,” says Ms. Thadani.

The 2023 theme for International Women's Day is Embrace Equity which Ms. Thadani believes is fundamental to growth and progress in any society. “Breaking gender barriers ensures that all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic background are offered equal opportunities and this benefits not only the individual but also the family and the economy on the whole,” she says.

“We are extremely proud to be role models to our female students. We want to let all our students know that there is absolutely no limit to achieving your ambitions, whatever they may be. Work tirelessly to achieve your goals and nothing can stop you,” she concludes.

Dinner at Gulf Hotel

Geet and Khushi’s Wedding

Skal Dinner

Dutch Reception

SMELL LIKE LUXURY WITH SWISS ARABIAN

Introducing a show-stopping addition to its cult favourite Shaghaf collection, Swiss Arabian unveils the Shaghaf Oud Azraq - an enchanting, woody and unisex scent that lasts all day long. This opulent scent is oud at its most refined; rich and complex with plenty of depth.

Anchored around precious notes of oud, honey, amber and vanilla, this luxurious and long-lasting scent from Swiss Arabian is elegant, plush and woody, all at once.

Shaghaf Oud Azraq is a golden amber oud fragrance that adds the warmth of luxury and good taste to a cold day. Followed by a silken indulgence of Madagascar vanilla that rises to meet the layers of oud finished with the opulence of the finest leather and a hint of patchouli.

Shaghaf Oud Azraq is the fourth scent from the best-selling Shaghaf collection by Swiss Arabian, with the other fragrances that

Spring

SCENT-SATIONAL ROBERTO CAVALLI

EMBRACE NATURAL BEAUTY WITH DE MOI®

Adopting an effective, safe, and natural beauty routine is a no-brainer for those who want to take care of themselves, and easier with the right brand in hand. With DE MOI®, this could be one easy change to bring about with your beauty routine as every product from its range is all-natural.

The line of products is made from plantderived ingredients, with all products using natural ingredients combined with modern

Swiss-formulated Alpha-arbutin. We love DE MOI’s all-natural Skin Perfect Beauty Bar. Eco-friendly, sustainable, and 100% vegan, this beauty bar will enhance your glow, fade dark spots and even your skin tone with the time-tested Philippine botanicals and skin-nourishing oils, while protecting your skin against signs of aging with Alpha Arbutin and niacinamide. Breathe in the calming floral scents and feel the difference when you add this to your skin routine. Available on demoi.ae.

The Italian luxury brand Roberto Cavalli has expanded their Gold Collection with an entirely new segment – Les Iris. The two Eaux de Parfum, BloodIris and WoodIris, explore new olfactive territory through sophisticated, extremely floral fragrances based around the orris flower – a symbol of the city of Florence and one of the most valuable ingredients in fine perfumery.

BloodIris opens with top notes of blood orange introducing a rich and vibrant aromatic heart of turmeric root and extremely rare, high-quality orris mingled with notes of cashmeran and musks.

WoodIris balances majestic citrus top notes with a rich, floral heart. Zesty and wild mandora coeur, a citrus fruit found on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, is joined by exclusive juicy mandora and bitter orange at the top of the fragrance, contrasting with Blue Orris notes at the heart. Velvety musky notes, sandalwood and patchouli conclude the scent. Men and women are sure to ignite their inner spark with the fragrances that stay true to the bold opulence of Roberto Cavalli which is celebrated for its iconic animal prints. Available at leading beauty outlets.

The weather is slowly, but surely, warming up again. If you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up following this cold and windy winter, we’ve got just the thing for you.

ADD SOME COLOUR WITH ESSENCE

Add some tint to your cheeks to get that cute blush look. WHAT A TINT! lip & cheek tint by Essence not only gives you a rosy glow, but also leaves your lips with a softly tinted shimmer.

The product is vegan and cruelty-free. In addition, it’s free from other nasties including oil, alcohol, parabens, fragrance, and microplastic particles, keeping your skin health in check. The water-like texture doesn't feel sticky and is pleasantly light on the skin. Thanks to the integrated flock applicator, it is also super easy to apply. With its long-lasting, kiss-proof formula, the natural look lasts for hours and ensures a fresh-looking complexion. It’s the perfect, budget beauty product for everyday use. Available at leading beauty stockists.

PROMOTE A HAIR GROWTH CYCLE

The Thinning Hair Authority™, BosleyMD, gets down to the follicle to offer solutions which guarantee thicker, fuller-looking hair and a healthier scalp in just 30-days.

The foundation of healthy hair is a healthy scalp, and BosleyMD’s Scalp Care & Hair Growth range, consisting of serums and scrubs, revitalises and nourishes the scalp to promote healthy growth.

The American brand addresses issues such as thinning, breakage, and hair loss, which may be caused by factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition. A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss. This is particularly true for deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and biotin. As a solution, BosleyMD’s products immediately access the follicles and contain natural oils and botanicals, such as Pumpkin seed extract, Apple Stem Cell Extract and Saw palmetto, which can nourish and strengthen the follicles directly. In addition, biotin in BosleyMd’s conditioners help strengthen the existing hair follicle and reduce shedding while the treatment rejuvenates the scalp and creates instant volume at the root.

HYDRATE YOUR SKIN WITH MAVALA

A skincare routine is essential for one and all, especially after an erratic winter! The award-winning skincare brand, Mavala Swiss Skin Solution, presents its daytime and night-time skincare lines that are more of a ritual experience. Born from a controlled fusion between Swiss nature and the science behind cosmetology, the 100 percent Swiss skincare products are carefully infused with Alpine botanic treasures and advanced active ingredients to target both: demanding and delicate skin care needs.

We love the brand’s AQUA PLUS range - an ideal solution for skin lacking moisture. The range effectively rehydrates the skin with hyaluronic acids at three molecular weights while replenishing your skin with Alpine moisture. This four-product range includes an Intensive Serum, Featherlight Cream, Snow Mask and Sleeping Mask. Fabulous additions to a night-time skincare routine, the highly concentrated Mallow flower and Hyaluronic Acids, deeply penetrate the epidermis, helping to restore its water preserves and reinforcing

BosleyMD’s Follicle Energiser, an intensive, advanced leave-in treatment serum assists in increasing cellular energy and microcirculation in the scalp. To absorb excess oil and debris, the Rejuvenating Scalp Scrub helps absorb excess oil while detoxifying, rejuvenating and invigorating the scalp in just two weeks.

Available at cozmada.com.

the protecting cutaneous barrier. Expect fully replenished, rehydrated and supple skin after waking up.

Mavala’s solution-focused formulas are dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested. Available on cozmada.com.

To help children learn the value of honesty and integrity, aside from modeling these very values in daily interactions, it is also helpful to understand the different types of lies. Ouiam El Hassani explains why children lie and what reactions can be helpful or hurtful.

CHILDREN WILL TELL LIES!

Children will lie, tell fibs, stretch a tale and tattle-tale—it’s actually a sign of intelligence. Nevertheless, lying is sometimes inappropriate and as parents it can be difficult to deal with lies.

Lies can come in many shapes and forms—fantasy, wishful thinking, a way to deal with hurt feelings, or the hopes of avoiding consequences and

Children lie as a means of exploring fantasy and their imagination

“I just saw a hippopotamus cross the street and put on a purple hat.” or “There is a space alien living inside my closet and who likes to eat pizza.” These lies are fantasies, stories or imaginative play at its very best! These are commonly told by preschoolers and are an exploration of reality and fantasy.

What to do: These lies can be left alone or simply used to fuel an imaginative conversation.

What to avoid: Try not to tell your child they are being ridiculous or silly as it can crush their creativity and these fibs are actually very healthy expressions of play.

punishment. What they all have in common is the fact that lies are words strung together to create a reality in your child’s mind and world.

Children are not always lying to be deceitful, dishonest or bad. Recognising the type of lie can be a really powerful tool to best deal with the situation at hand.

Children tell lies as expressions of wishful thinking

“At my friend’s house, their mom said I can have 10 pieces of candy and don’t need to brush my teeth.” Such lies are reflections of what a child is wishing for.

What to do: Acknowledge the ideas behind the lies while also offering alternatives that are empathetic and reflect your values.

For instance, you can trying saying, “Oh 10 pieces of candy would be delicious and tooth brushing can take a while. It’s just not healthy for you, I care about you and your teeth. How about two pieces of candy and we can sing a song while brushing?” It’s perfectly okay to stick to your values and set a limit. What is important is to recognise your child’s wishes and communicate that so he knows you are listening.

What to avoid: Try not to lecture or tell your child their wishes are unimportant.

Lying to avoid punishment and/or consequences

Often children will lie to get their way, to make sure the outcome is in their favour or most commonly to avoid being punished.

What to do: If you know that your child is lying and they have acted in a way that has broken, destroyed or otherwise harmed something or someone it can be really beneficial to just listen at first.

Ask sincerely: “What can you tell me about this?” to start a dialogue. If you have encouraged your child to tell the truth in the past it is likely that they will once again cooperate with you.

If you have used punishment in the past, it’s never too late to look at positive alternatives. Go ahead and explain to your child that you value and welcome honesty.

Then follow-through with your words (otherwise it would be modeling how to lie) and find an appropriate solution with your child. How can you help your child repair the situation? How can you encourage your child to make amends for telling a lie and to whoever may have been hurt by the lie?

What to avoid: Calling your child a liar or demanding the truth and immediately punishing is likely to teach your child to be sneakier the next time around. It creates a negative cycle of communication to avoid punishment. There is a more positive and helpful way to help your child learn to tell the truth.

Bollywood Music and Dinner

Bahrain India Society held a Live Bollywood Music and Dinner Night at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.

Trust your child’s ability to learn the value of honesty, problem solving and to do better next time.

TO INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED

In the latest edition of ‘The Things We Don't Say’, Farrah Saville looks at the women she draws inspiration from as a mother this International Women's Day.

OnMarch 8, women worldwide will observe International Women's Day. I say observe because often, it feels like there isn't a lot to celebrate. We look at some of the atrocities against women worldwide, and it feels like what are we celebrating? When I look at my daughter, I ask myself “What world am I raising this young lady in?”

There are so many things that women need to consider- safety, how they dress, managing it all by balancing a career and family, growing their careers versus giving up their careers, getting married as the biological clock ticks away - the list is endless.

The negativities can be endless, but this month, I choose to celebrate raising a girl and International Woman's Day because, from my personal experiences as a woman, I have found that being a woman is AWESOME and should indeed be celebrated.

Here's my list of ten women I am inspired by to help me navigate being a mom, and help my daughter to see reason in a world that can sometimes be difficult.

1. Oprah Winfrey - Undeniably one of the most inspiring success stories in the world. Her work to build an empire and empower women inspires anyone looking to build a life they love. She has inspired me in many ways. My favourite Oprah quote is, "Be thankful for what you have; you'll have more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never have enough."

2. Greta Thunberg - Through her activism and the #FridaysForFuture movement, Greta has inspired a new generation to take a stand against the global climate crisis.

3. Beyoncé - A talented musician, performer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Beyoncé has been using her voice and artistry to stand up for gender and racial justice.

4. Malala Yousafzai - At the young age of 17, Malala was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. For my daughter, I can only hope to raise her with the same value for education.

5. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - AOC, as she is widely known, has a vital energy. She is so brave despite being so young and has qualities I would love my daughter to have.

6. Amal Alamuddin - One of the world's

most high-profile and celebrated attorneys, Amal Alamuddin has become an international symbol of empowerment and resilience.

7. My mother - She has broken the mould and a few rules to raise her children to be independent and kind.

8. Fatima Meer - Fatima Meer has made tremendous strides in advancing South African race relations. Meer's ability to understand intersectionality before it even became a term inspires me to teach my daughter to look beyond her struggles myopically.

9. Serena Williams – The world-renowned professional tennis player has set an example for many generations, inspiring young women to find the strength and ambition to accomplish their dreams. I hope Williams' strength inspires my daughter.

10. Melanie Perkins – This CEO is the woman behind the design website Canva; she founded the company on her own with zero Silicon Valley connections and is currently worth USD 3.6 billion.

Where are you from and what's the thing you love most about your hometown?

I am from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The thing I love most about Kyiv is its beautiful nature which I have never come across anywhere else in the world. We have colourful parks, monasteries, churches, and beautiful architecture which I miss so much. Then there are special Ukrainian dishes that I miss… especially those cooked by my mum.

What was the name of your first pet? What made it unique?

I’ve only had one pet in my life - a cat named Masha with very unique markings in black, brown, grey and white. My family adopted her when I was just a child, and she was quite little too; so we grew up together and she was with us for almost 17 years. She was completely different and had a crazy personality.

What's the best advice you can give our readers?

Something I know for sure is that nothing is impossible in this life. So, I would say dream big and fill your life with beautiful moments.

What is an achievement you are most proud of?

I spent 10 years in hospitality and progressed without any help, so I would say it is where I am now in my career. I also have a master’s degree in International Economics and Business Development and will soon be finishing my MBA too.

Do you have any hidden talents?

InHerShoes

Of course! I actually finished music school in Kyiv and play a Ukrainian instrument called bayan - a type of accordion but with a different set up of buttons. So, I performed in parts of the region - it was quite an interesting time of my life.

Name three things you cannot live without.

Coffee, music and travelling

With a highly social nature and openminded approach, hospitality is an apt industry for Iryna Okopova - Associate Director of Marketing at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa. Since starting her hospitality career in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2012, Iryna has worked in the UAE and Maldives before moving to Bahrain for her current role. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

What is your favourite movie and why?

I love catastrophes, thrillers and detective stories. I would have to say that my favourite movie is The Mummy which follows the adventurer Rick O’ Connell (Brendan Frasier). I was quite interested in Egypt and its history so The Mummy trilogy is a favourite.

International Women's Day is around the corner. What are qualities that you admire in women?

The first would have to be emotional strength as I believe women are emotionally mature and balanced. Then I would have to say the ability to multi-task. Women can manage their work, kids, relationship, home and more in just 24 hours.

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