TRAILBLAZING Bahraini women spoke today of their delight at challenging stereotypes and forging successful careers to inspire the next generation of girls.
They praised the country’s leadership for making their dreams come true and opening doors that were once shut in their face.
As the country marks Bahraini Women’s Day today, the GDN spoke to pioneers in various fields who highlighted the equality, opportunities and freedom in the kingdom.
They thanked His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Supreme Council for Women chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty, for recognising their many achievements.
Bahraini Women’s Day 2021 is being marked this year under the slogan ‘Bahraini Women in National Development – A Journey of Advancement in a Giving Country’.
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HUDA SANGOOR
First female engineer who was part of the team which designed the Bahrain National Stadium
"As I look back from my school days to career and beyond, I can see that I was considered no different because of my gender. Women in Bahrain are treated equal in all fields and they are encouraged in all ways which reflects in their achievements. Men and women are considered as the two wings of the nation."
RANA HABIB, 85
One of Bahrain’s first nurses with a career spanning more than 35 years at Salmaniya Medical Complex and College of Health Sciences
Bahrain is always proud of its girls and women and our leaders have been doing everything to ensure their success, which has helped them become achievers. For me, nursing is a noble career, it’s giving back to the nation.
DR MARYAM AL JALAHMA
National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA)’s first woman chief executive
Bahraini women are known for their hard work and giving, with a rich history at all levels, especially healthcare. I feel honoured to be part of such an elite league. Even as the world confronted Covid-19, Bahraini women proved their effective and influential presence in positions of responsibility. NHRA is proud of being among the top five national entities recognised by the SCW for gender equity commitment.
DR JALEELA Al SAYED
First chief executive of Health Ministry’s Primary Healthcare Centres
Women are privileged here as they are blessed with a visionary leadership. Over the last 20 years, our leaders have taken wide-ranging efforts to ensure the active participation of women in the nation’s development.
DR JAMEELA AL SALMAN
Top medic on board the National Taskforce for Combating Covid-19
I feel content that I am being able to give back to my country and my community through my role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and being part of Team Bahrain. Bahraini women have proven themselves as the nation’s major assets, alongside men, and will play a key role in shaping the bright future of our kingdom.
DR NADA HAFFADH
Bahrain’s first woman Health Minister (2004 to 2007)
We have a system to empower women, a strategy to execute it and periodic evaluation to make sure the goals are achieved. Bahrain has a beautiful culture where women are supported by the extended family. I enjoyed this from my mother and mother-in-law and I do it for my daughters, it is a beautiful balance and I love it.
EMAN SHARIF, 35
Member of the first Bahrain Women’s National Football team
We have all kinds of sports which has given Bahraini girls the opportunity to realise their dreams. Sports has also contributed to creating and nurturing a disciplined, committed and passionate generation of Bahraini women who chase their goals and ambitions.
SAMAR BUSHEHRI, 28
First female graffiti artist and a special effects makeup artist
Graffiti, to me, is a way to spread positive vibes around the country. It’s something that goes beyond creativity, it’s the freedom to go from burns to cuts and so on.
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MONA ALMOAYYED
Top businesswoman and Shura Council member
I am proud to call myself a Bahraini woman, for the kingdom has a long history of supporting and empowering its women, starting with the education of girls in 1928 – the first in the Arabian Gulf. The opportunities provided to us are vast, along with our equal rights. My message to women is: Understand the obstacles, create a positive mental picture, embrace the challenges and stay on track. Show the world you can do it. Life isn’t what you are given, it’s what you create, what you conquer and what you aim to achieve.
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