Woman This Month - April 2024

She’s Back!

A grand gala dinner was held at The Art Hotel & Resort to relaunch the WomanThisMonthstandalone publication and to announce the launch of the ‘Woman of the Year Awards’ to be held in December.

Scan to watch our event highlights

UPHOLDING BAHRAIN’S FOOD SAFETY

When it comes to food safety, ensuring the integrity of imported food products is paramount to safeguarding public health. Within the Ministry of Health in Bahrain, Nujood Khalifa Almuqahwi stands at the forefront of this crucial endeavour as the Head of Imported Food Safety. In this exclusive interview with WomanThis Month , she shares insights into her career journey, the Ministry’s overarching strategies for ensuring food safety, approaches to risk assessment, leveraging technology for monitoring and more

Ms. Almuqahwi’s career in the Ministry of Health began in 2007, starting as a health inspector and gradually progressing through various roles until she assumed her current position in 2014. Reflecting on her journey, she says: “My career path has been shaped by a blend of education, practical experience, advocacy and a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of communities. My educational background includes a degree in Biology from the University of Bahrain, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of microbiology, biochemistry and epidemiology. I then achieved a Master’s in food safety and quality management from the UK, the specialised knowledge of which allowed me to delve into areas such as health policy, food science and food quality. To this day, a mixture of continuous learning and practical experience is vital to professional development.”

The Ministry of Health employs a range of strategies to ensure the safety of imported food products in Bahrain. Ms. Almuqahwi explains: “Given that approximately 90 percent of food in Bahrain is imported, these measures are crucial for maintaining high standards and minimising health risks.” These strategies include risk-based inspection services, public awareness campaigns, strengthening food safety management systems and fostering public-private partnerships.

enhance safety, and build consumer trust. Ultimately, by leveraging technology, Bahrain can stay ahead of emerging food safety challenges and protect public health.”

Transparency in the supply chain is essential for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring the safety of imported food items. As such, the Ministry of Health enacts measures such as clear labelling, quality assurance practices and supply chain traceability to help enhance transparency. By collaborating with suppliers and third-party certifiers, Bahrain ensures accountability and reduces the risk of food fraud or adulteration.

“ Transparency in the supply chain is essential for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring the safety of imported food items.”

Of course, food safety incidents do happen on occasion, but the Ministry has protocols in place to both minimise and combat them. According to Ms. Almuqahwi, multi-agency coordination, issuing alerts and recalls, and swift action to remove unsafe products from the market is the priority. “Our goal is to protect public health and minimise the impact of emergencies related to food safety,” she says. “By coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders, Bahrain can effectively address food safety incidents and prevent further harm to consumers.”

channels. “Prevention is key to ensuring the safety of imported food products,” she asserts. “By implementing preventive measures, Bahrain can proactively address potential risks and protect public health.”

In the face of emerging challenges in the global food market such as increased globalisation, climate change and food fraud, collaborative efforts and innovative solutions are required to tackle them. By strengthening international cooperation, adapting to environmental changes and enhancing consumer awareness, Bahrain can effectively address emerging food safety challenges and ensure the safety of imported food products.

Ms. Almuqahwi also encourages consumers to report food safety violations or concerns through hotline numbers, the Tawasul government website and the Tawasul SuperApp which serves as a communication app. “Consumer feedback is crucial for identifying potential risks and taking appropriate actions,” she says. “By actively engaging with consumers, Bahrain and the ministry can address food safety issues promptly and maintain public trust in its food safety regulations.”

All of these methods are in line with the ministry’s commitment to adhering to GCC and international standards to uphold food safety. Furthermore, the ministry’s collaboration with international food safety agencies and organisations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, WHO, INFOSAN and the GCC Standardisation Organisation allows it to harmonise standards, share information and enhance global food safety, she believes. By aligning with global best practices and standards, Bahrain ensures that its imported food products meet stringent safety requirements.

In discussing the Ministry’s approach to assessing and managing risks associated with imported food items, Ms. Almuqahwi emphasises the importance of rigorous testing and adherence to health policies. “We conduct physical tests and laboratory analyses to ensure that imported food products comply with safety standards,” she explains. “By prioritising risk-based approaches, the Ministry can identify and address potential hazards effectively.

“Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the monitoring and safety standards of Bahrain’s imported food products. The ministry’s future plans include using the likes of big data, IoT, blockchain and predictive analytics in ensuring food safety. These advancements empower us to monitor imported food products more effectively,

To reduce the likelihood of food safety issues with imported products, she recommends a comprehensive approach that includes improved response mechanisms, collaboration with international partners, education and training, traceability systems, consumer awareness and effective communication

Finally, Ms. Almuqahwi offers advice to young Bahrainis interested in pursuing careers in health or government. “Pursue higher education, engage in continuous learning and remain passionate about serving others,” she advises. “By fostering a culture of excellence and dedication, Bahrain can cultivate the next generation of leaders in the field of food safety and public health.

Remember that a career in health or government is not just a job; it’s a calling. Be passionate, committed and dedicated to serving others.”

“

By implementing preventive measures, Bahrain can proactively address potential risks and protect public health.”

The Best of

Brews

There are few simple pleasures in life that are as beautiful as savouring a warm, well-brewed cup of tea. The duo behind Passion Tea Gardens, Monika Gorzna and Talah AlMutlaq, tell Farah Baig about how the brand makes tea rituals a reality for all.

Given the growing popularity of the ceremonial way of drinking tea, the process of brewing a warm cuppa can seem like a daunting task for some. The premium tea brand Passion Tea Garden bridges the gap between ceremonial tea drinking and convenience so all can enjoy this soothing experience.

“I was always aware of the health and beauty benefits of tea. So, when I moved to Bahrain 22 years ago and couldn’t find good tea, I travelled in search of some,” says Passion Tea Garden Managing Director and Tea Master, Monika Gorzna.

Her quest took her to Sri Lanka, India and China, and when the idea to start a tea brand came about, she decided to go one step further and address a market gap. “Baristas are well trained when it comes to coffee but tea is neglected. So, I don’t just supply the tea but rather train the team on different brewing techniques and create an experience tailored to the venue,” she says.

“With Passion Tea Gardens, people can enjoy a delicious cup of tea at several restaurants across Bahrain and even create their own tea ritual at home,” she adds.

Passion Tea Garden Partner, Talah AlMutlaq, joined the business in August 2023; together

the duo is taking the brand to refreshing heights. To experience Monika’s love for tea and encourage Talah’s connection with tea, they visited Darjeeling and explored four different tea gardens – two of which they ultimately collaborated with.

“It’s interesting because I was initially advised to stop drinking tea as I was seeing adverse effects. This trip changed that as I realised that it is the way you brew tea that matters. In Darjeeling, we tasted hundreds of blends of tea and I was perfectly fine,” says Talah. “To brew the perfect cup of tea, you need to add the right amount depending on your selection and steep it for three to five minutes.”

A curated selection of nearly 50 flavourful blends of tea sourced directly from tea gardens – the result of tea exploration trips – sets Passion Tea Gardens apart from regular brands. “To discover different teas, we learn the farming techniques, how they grow and explore tea drinking cultures. Currently, we find that any blends with Jasmine are very popular apart from our best seller, Natural Beauty,” says Monika.

While flavoured teas are growing in popularity, Monika believes that pure teas are delicious on their own. However, Talah has brought her own influence to the brand. “I love chocolate and

so we worked on the idea of a chocolate tea with real cocoa and stevia. People can enjoy this blend guilt-free while savouring its true flavour as it doesn’t have added sugars. People love it and the feedback has been amazing,” says Talah.

“I’m encouraging Talah to explore more flavours now. It’s refreshing for the brand and I’m excited to see what comes next!” says Monika enthusiastically.

Apart from their corporate offering, the brand offers gift boxes and custom blends depending on individual needs including those to promote wellness or aid with health concerns.

Passion Tea Gardens will soon be launching an e-commerce website, and can currently be found at select retailers and ordered online through Instagram @passionteagardens.

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Grand SwissBelhotel Gathering

A gathering was held at the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef to express gratitude towards partners for their support.

Take your Eid attire to the next level with the Metallic SS24 edit from the renowned Italian fashion brand GENNY.

GENNY presents its latest edit, an enchanting exploration of metallics that perfectly embodies the essence of femininity and modernity, curated from its exquisite Spring/Summer 24-25 collection.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of Spring and feminine radiance, this exclusive edit features showstopping pieces seamlessly blending classic sophistication with contemporary flair.

This edit showcases a captivating metallic colour palette, mirroring the effortless fluidity of liquid metal. From shimmering silvers to lustrous golds and bronzes, each piece exudes a sense of glamour and elegance, offering versatile transition pieces that can take its wearer from day to night.

Whether it’s a silvery blouse paired with tailored trousers for a chic daytime look or a sleek bronze dress that catches the moonlight, alongside metallic-accented accessories including the Maison’s iconic orchid, this selection invites women to glow with confidence and sophistication, making a statement in every aspect of their lives.

Are you ready to get adventurous with some metallic outfits this season?

Let us know on our official social media accounts @womanthismonth

VIBRANT COLOUR FOR YOUR FESTIVAL LOOK

For a no-fuss, quick and simple way to get that glam look to celebrate the season, Flormar’s Festival Spirit collection should come to mind. The collection’s vivid and wide range of hues reflects the vibrant mood of the season.

This April we’ll be donning the Flormar Hands Up Nail Polish. This affordable nailpolish comes in five gorgeous colour variations, which give your nails a shining appearance. It is an ultra-shine formula that leaves a captivating holographic impression, guaranteeing a long-lasting and brilliant manicure. It also has a reflective, highly shiny, holographic finish. Available at Flormar branches.

for a Festive Spirit

There’s plenty to celebrate this April with Eid Al-Fitr being celebrated across the region. We present you with some of the finest of selfcare products that will have you looking great from your head to your toes!

SALON - WORTHY LOCKS START HERE

We’re all about enjoying the simple pleasures of life, and having beautiful hair is certainly one of them. The revolutionary Dyson Airstrait straightener is one of those fantastic tools that offers you effortless styling without heat damage, making every day a good hair day. With wet-to-dry straightening using air, the Dyson Airstrait comes in two captivating colourways: Prussian Blue and Nickel/Copper. Generating airflow needed to dry and straighten hair simultaneously, it provides unparalleled convenience and efficiency, achieving effortless salon-worthy locks in the comfort of your home.

Engineered to cater to diverse hair types, it effortlessly delivers a natural straight style with body and movement while preserving the strength and healthy appearance of the hair.

Needless to say, this revolutionary hair styling tool is now at the top of our wish list! Available at leading electronics and beauty stores.

A DIVINE FRAGRANCE - LOVE DELIGHT

The perfumes of Amouage’s Secret Garden Collection have captured the true spirit of femininity in the modern woman. The brand-new composition, Love Delight, joins the Collection – adding an alluring dimension to the quartet’s expression of womanhood.

Secret Garden scents are known for pairing a flavoursome accord with a distinctive floral note. The flavoursome accord of Love Delight, called ‘Honey Glazed Pastry’, is inspired by the refined richness of Arabian sweets — which layer generous quantities of delectable, crumbly pastry alongside nuts, orange blossom and rose water.

For the floral facet of Love Delight’s, the unmistakable aroma of warm almond and ripe cherries come together to complement the ‘Honey Glazed Pastry accord’. The result is the most enigmatically lustrous member of the Secret Garden Collection. Other notes contributing to this addictive fragrance include Ginger, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Rose, Vanilla Bean and Cocoa. Founded in 1983, Amouage is an independent Omani High Perfumery House renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted perfumes in the world. As its name suggests, Amouage has created a fragrance that is truly both full of love and full of delight. Available online at amouage.com.

FOR A LUSH BATHING EXPERIENCE

If you’re a fan of vegan beauty products, chances are you know everything there is to know about LUSH! There’s a constant flow of its vegan and self-preserving goodies on our wishlist but, this month, we’ve set our sights on the brand’s delightfully fragrant bubble bars and bath bombs. LUSH has a host of bath bombs, shower products, body lotion and more, each with carefully selected scent blends that make you feel cosy, uplifted, relaxed and everything in between. Here’s what we have our sights on:

THIS SKINCARE ROUTINE IS PURE PERFECTION

The latest skincare brand dedicated to bringing the newest innovations from Korea, MiracleSkin, introduces its gamechanging skincare set. MIRACLETOX Perfection Set, an innovative at-home, non-invasive microneedling solution is just what you need to keep your face hydrated and radiant.

The set uses the power of the patented Microspear ingredient which is extracted and hydrolysed from purified freshwater sponges. It stimulates rapid collagen production, giving you youthful and plumperlooking skin.

The MIRACLETOX Perfection Set includes MIRACLETOX Perfection TOX Ampoules, MIRACLETOX Perfection Masks and MIRACLETOX Perfection Feel Cream. With 10,000 natural micro-needles, it instantly providing visible and dramatic improvements in your skin’s texture and tone without any damage or downtime. This set is just what you need for your self-care routine.

Available online at miracleskin.ae.

Avo Cuddle Bubble Bar

This bubble bar is the absolute cutest thing we’ve laid our eyes on! Uplifting lemongrass and bergamot, and neon green waters, make this the perfect choice for a morning bath.

Available in three blooming lovely scents of marigold, orange blossom or chamomile, each of these turns the bath a gorgeous pastel shade.

Wash and Grow Bubble Bar

Enjoy grass-scented, packaging-free bathing with this charming reusable watering can bubble bar! Ingredients such as comfrey root powder ease aches and pains, reduce inflammation and promote healing. In tandem with LUSH’s penchant for green living, bathers can reuse their bath water to hydrate plants afterwards!

Available at lush.com/mena and at all LUSH stores.

Answering Your Daughter’s Biggest Questions

When raising your child, you might wonder which ‘coming of age’ questions you need to be prepared for. Ouiam El Hassani walks us through your daughter’s biggest questions about puberty and periods.

Puberty comes with a lot of changes for kids and a lot of questions. From what to expect from a first period to navigating mood swings, your tween may be looking for answers. Read on to learn how to answer your daughter’s most common questions about periods and puberty.

What happens during puberty?

Begin by explaining to your child that puberty is the period of time where your body goes through a series of changes as they transition from being a child to an adult. During puberty, a surge of hormones prompts a girl’s body to change. Her shape might become curvier as her hips widen. She might gain weight or have a growth spurt. Her breasts will start to grow. Be open about what your child should expect, including increased body hair, oily skin, growth spurts and mood swings.

When will I get my period?

The average age for a girl to begin menstruation is 12, with some girls starting as early as 8 or 9 years old. However, no one has a crystal ball, but this should give your daughter a general idea of when to expect her first period.

Let your child know that her period will start a few years after puberty begins. Explain that menstruation is the body’s way of gearing up to one day have a baby, when or if she chooses to. As much as you’re comfortable, you can explain the process of ovulation and how an egg is released every month from a woman’s ovaries. When the woman doesn’t become pregnant, the body sheds the uterine lining, which results in having a period. Explain that periods happen approximately every month, and the bleeding lasts for about three to five days, but everyone is different.

Which period products should I use? Will my period hurt?

Let your daughter know about the different options. She should feel free to try different products.

Here’s a tip: a period basket is a great way to celebrate your daughter getting her period. You can place pads, chocolates, their favourite tea, heating pad, yummy snacks, pain relievers and wipes in a basket so that your daughter’s period is a time of celebration.

Let your daughter know that experiencing some pain right before or during her menstrual cycle is common. The pain can feel like a bad cramp in the back or lower belly. Sometimes, she may also have nausea and diarrhea. You can explain to her that the reason for pain during her period is because her uterus (the organ that holds a fetus), contracts and releases a chemical called prostaglandins. Regular exercise, a warm bath, and heating pads help relieve discomfort, naturally.

Is it normal to feel weird about my body?

“Why do I feel more moody and emotional?”

Let your daughter know that there are lots of changes happening with hormones in her body leading up to and during her period. Her body is developing and so is her brain, so her emotions might be all over the place. She might be crying one minute and happy the next. She may be more sensitive or cry more easily than usual on certain days.

Lots of kids feel more self-conscious about their bodies during puberty. Reassure your child: let them know that whatever they are thinking or experiencing is normal. Everyone goes through it!

Remind your child that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one ‘right’ way to look. Your child may start to compare their bodies to others if they feel ‘behind’ or ‘ahead’ of their friend group. Validate and normalise their concerns and experiences.

Hopefully this guide makes answering your daughter’s questions about puberty and periods a little easier. And remember: so long as you’re accessible, present and approaching these topics with honesty, empathy and compassion, your child will feel safe and secure during this exciting transition.

Official Opening of the Renovated Samsung Experience Shop

First Motors Ghabga

Downtown Media Iftar

First Motors held a press conference and a Ghabga for members of the media at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The celebratory event featured a speech by First Motors Managing Director, Nawaf Al Zayani, and the premiere of a special documentary chronicling the evolution of First Motors from its inception and alliance with Hyundai, to becoming a prominent player in Bahrain’s auto industry.

Downtown Rotana, Manama hosted its Annual Appreciation Iftar at Al Maha Ramadan Tent.

ACME Ghabga

ACME hosted a ghabga filled with warmth, togetherness, and the spirit of Ramadan at Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

Making ‘DesignedWorkplaces for Women’ A Reality

Dubai-based all-female agency, TishTash Communications, proves that staff benefits catering to the needs of women in the workplace reaps incredible results.

People across the world marked International Women’s Day on March 8 in grand fashion. However, the reality is that there is plenty of work that is yet to be done to achieve true gender equality. Global progress on women’s rights is “vanishing before our eyes”, the secretary general of the UN, António Guterres, warned, saying the increasingly distant goal of gender equality will take another three centuries to achieve. Women’s workplace equality is a key aspect in socio-economic deprivation and female empowerment. Still, in 2024, many workplaces are simply not designed with the needs of women in mind, or the many factors which would enable them to grow, flourish and achieve all that their male counterparts do.

The Dubai-based, award-winning independent communications agency TishTash, has created a 100 percent female workforce with a working environment designed especially for women’s needs. The agency’s commitment to designing a workplace for women includes the implementation of flexible working for all staff including a 4.5-day week, continued hybrid working, a ‘work from home country’ allocation each year and other benefits. The agency also boasts a myriad industry leading women’s health policies including paid leave for fertility treatments, menstruation and menopause. This is in addition to four women’s physio appointments which can be used during

pregnancy or up to six months after the birth of the baby. Further catering to the needs of women, the agency also provides four therapy sessions which support with pre- and post-partum depression. “Recent research by Bain & Company had 70 percent of GCC female respondents highlighting that gender bias and stereotypes represent one of their biggest challenges to workplace advancement, along with inadequate mentorship, training and support for work-life balance,” says CEO & Founder of TishTash Communications, Natasha HatherallShawe. “Organisations undergo a ‘tipping point’ in their journey toward gender equity success when women represent at least 30 percent of the total workforce. This effect is even more pronounced when women hold 30 percent or more of an organisation’s leadership roles.”

Proving that when these workplace needs are met, women can flourish, the agency has recorded phenomenal stats:

• 50 percent year on year increase for the past three years.

• 62 percent increase in turnover in the last 12 months (2022-2023).

• Significant client wins and international expansion.

• 45 percent of the team have been with the agency for more than 5 years.

• 8 percent company attrition.

• 45 percent of clients have been with the agency more than 4 years.

• Company achieved ‘Great Place to Work’ certification in 2023 with a score of over 95 percent.

Today the agency stands as a team of 68 women and is intended as a deliberate example of focus on the importance of policy change and operations that take into account the shocking statistics around the modern workplace for women and their workforce retention — an increase which benefits society as a whole, and not just the bottom line.

In a recent poll on the Woman This Month Instagram account, our followers voted unanimously that women should be granted paid leave to cater to women’s healthcare needs. Join the conversation, and follow @womanthismonth online.

Choirfest 2024

Coffee Gathering

The Manama Singers hosted its very first Choirfest at the Cultural Hall. The Choirfest consisted of performances from several choirs around the GCC.

A gathering was held at Bahrain Rugby Club with guest speaker Luna Hageali discussing the topic ‘Navigating parenthood and entrepreneurship: Journey through single parenting and consulting’.

A Tea Party was held at the Downtown Rotana celebratiing International Women’s Day.

Interior for Beginners Book Launch

A launch and youth panel discussion was held for the book titled ‘Interior for Beginners’.

Nabeel

Ali Solo Exhibition

The debut exhibition of Iraqi artist Nabil Ali was held at the Hend Gallery in Muharraq.

Birthday Celebration Brunch

A birthday celebration for Said and the 6th anniversary of Al Afandi Properties was celebrated at JJ’s Irish Restaurant.

Tarbouche Iftar

An Iftar was held at Tarbouche Restaurant to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a positive, hardworking, caring and dependable person.

Name one woman who never fails to inspire you and tell us why!

My mum. She’s my role model and gives me the very best of advice.

On your day off you unwind by: Hanging out with my friends and staying at home relaxing.

When you’re in need of comfort food, your go-to meal is: Burgers.

InHerShoes

Every month we have the pleasure of showcasing incredible women across the Kingdom. This month we met the wonderful HR and Admin Operations Assistant at InTouch Clinic, Nouhaila Gamgam. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

What’s one change, big or small, that you are making in 2024 to improve your life? This is the year that I want to explore the world and explore myself. I’m trying to push myself out of my comfort zone, and trying to make connections with different people. I’m determined to grasp more opportunities.

Your best tip for staying physically fit is?

Walking. You should also keep moving all day long and eat well.

You have an unlimited budget to go on your dream holiday. Where are you going?

Bora Bora

Pick one: cycling, walking or jogging? Walking

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Ramee Corporate Iftar

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Seef hosted a Corporate Iftar at Lemon Tree Restaurant to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.

Yusuf Lori’s Ghabga Yusuf Lori held a Ramadan Ghabga at Lanterns Adliya.