Woman This Month - October 2022

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Evlin Khalifa has been crowned Miss Universe Bahrain and will compete in New Orleans for the crown title of Miss Universe in January 2023. She hopes to throw a spotlight on Bahrain as she raises the flag as the country’s second entrant. In this interview with Woman This Month, she talks excitedly to Farrah Saville about her meteoric rise, how she feels about representing her country and her fondest memories of growing up in the Kingdom.

Congratulations on being crowned ‘Miss Universe Bahrain’! How did you feel about winning?

It's definitely a big blessing. I still feel like I'm dreaming as this is the happiest moment in my life so far. I always wanted to make my country and our people proud as I am proud of them. If I look back at my life, I can say it’s been a long journey to earning this title. So, I’m naturally very grateful and happy to be where I am meant to be. That being said, now that I have a crown and title, I have a big responsibility as well - to represent Bahrain on the international stage and be a voice for not only women, but those who are unheard. I realised that winning is just one part of the job, but really winning involves going through the journey of having this title and accepting the responsibility of having this huge platform and shedding light on causes that are close to my heart. I believe that true winning is in giving, and that is my mission throughout my reign.

Why did you decide to enter the competition?

I want to show the world how beautiful, intelligent and talented Middle Eastern women are. I want to see more Arab representatives globally. There are very few representations of Arab women in Hollywood movies or Disney shows. For example, In the film Aladdin the role of Princess Jasmine is played by a non-Arab actress, but I'd like to see someone who is like us, someone who looks like us.

How do you feel about going to New Orleans to compete for Bahrain? Are you hoping to change any perceptions about women in the region?

It's a very special feeling for me to represent our Kingdom at the Miss Universe stage. Since it is only the second time we are going to send a representative, it's a big honour for me. The first representative, Manar Jess Deyani, has made a huge impact not only on our community but globally. I want to continue her legacy and show the universe the power in modesty and Bahrain as a country filled with love, genuine happiness and generosity.

I will make sure I do my best to let the whole world know how modern, talented and beautiful our Bahraini women are. We honour our traditions and customs, but at the same time, we combine it with modern values. That's why Bahraini women are unique.

As for visiting New Orleans, I’m quite excited to visit this US state as I haven’t visited yet. I’m also musician and since it’s known for jazz, I’m sure I’ll find it to be an interesting city. I'm planning to

the forefront celebrating her culture and identity on an international stage while remembering her values and traditions.

I would like to thank the Miss Universe organisation for this opportunity.

You advocate for education - is there anything else you'd love to study and learn more about?

I always search for something new to learn. For now, I'm planning to study psychology. All my friends can tell you my good predisposition for this interesting science; maybe I got it from my mother, who holds a psychology degree. All sciences are important, but for me our whole life rests on psychology.

invite all my family and friends as they would all like to attend this beautiful show and support me.

Did you get any resistance to you entering and representing Bahrain? Have you faced any online bullying?

With regards to online bullying, of course, I have already faced some bullying; people might say I'm not pure Bahraini, which is true but it doesn't make me less Bahraini than others. It's all about who you are inside. My heart is Bahraini, and I dedicate all my victories to my country. So, I'm not offended by these words, in the end, I know our people will support me as we are a very united nation.

Who has inspired you to compete and why did you decide to enter the competition?

Manar Deyani, definitely inspired me to think about beauty pageants and represent Bahrain. When I saw her representing our country on an international stage, I literally teared up because of how proud and happy I was. She was the first woman who wore a burkini in a swimwear competition and stated that we, Middle Eastern women, have the courage to express ourselves to the world, while respecting our traditions. Then, of course, the women of Bahrain inspire me. Every day I see them, and I am amazed by their passion, purposefulness and determination. I always wanted to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for young children, especially girls, to see an Arab woman at

It is interaction with others and with yourself. I want to be more useful in this area for those looking for harmony in life.

What is your advice for anyone wanting to enter the competition?

Don't be afraid to be yourself; share your experience and knowledge with others; you can be more helpful than you think. It's an amazing opportunity to represent your beloved country and express yourself to other women.

What is the greatest advice you've received to date that helped you to become the successful person you are?

Always believe in your dreams, and remember that you are the only one who can make it happen. Don't compare yourself to others; God created all of us in our own unique way. And never think of defeat; challenge yourself, and you will be a better version of yourself which is the main goal of our life.

What is your ultimate goal?

Unfortunately, children with a cleft suffer from external conditions that prevent them from breathing, eating and hearing. I'm planning to increase awareness of this issue to help children living with a cleft. Also, my goal is to help charities such as Smile Train, which is very close to my heart.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am excited to start my official training. I will be flying to the Philippines to start my official training and also officially start my international engagements under the supervision of the Miss Universe Bahrain family. I am so excited to keep you updated on all the latest happenings in my preparations which I will be sharing on social media. Also, please continue to pray and support me in this journey. I hope to make all Bahrainis proud.

Follow @missuniversebahrain and @khalifa.evlin on Instagram for the latest updates.

Liberating Fashion

We can sense a change of season coming in the Middle East with the blowing of a gentle breeze and earlier golden hour. With this change comes the need for refreshing our wardrobe for the cooler months. Inspired by the flowing breeze and golden hour, we felt the need to delve into Johanna Ortiz’s elegant collection.

Inspired by the Spanish word libertad, which translates to freedom, the minimalistic collection is sensible, sophisticated and powerful. Those wearing the exquisite pieces are sure to make a strong and elegant entrance.

As the collection stands for freedom, the global brand will be donating a percentage of all sales to the women and children of Ukraine. Johanna Ortiz has collaborated on this initiative with Ukranian model Cate Underwood - the face of the collection.

Eveningwear returns with Johanna Ortiz this season and harkens back to the femininity of the empowering Golden Era. Central Asian crafts are celebrated in this season’s prints along with signature Johanna Ortiz references of tropical palms and South American flora - specifically in the hand embroidered Suzani and Ikat threading.

Must-Haves From Siella Beauty

Siella Beauty brings us another practical beauty solution with their new lip and cheek products. These must-have products combine makeup with skin care benefits for a gorgeous flush of colour while providing your skin with nourishing ingredients. Siella Beauty’s newest long-lasting lip & cheek tint will give you an undeniably fresh wash of colour to achieve a sun-kissed flush throughout the day. It’s lightweight, blendable and buildable to your desired level. Infused with rose water, the lip & cheek tint offers soothing and hydrating skin benefits. Their lip & cheek tint comes in two beautiful shades: Cherry and Strawberry.

We loved the first two shades to launch from their balm-like hydrating gloss collection. ‘Pecan’ has a brownish nude tone while ‘Sally’ for a peachy pink hue. The glosses have an ultra -pigmented formula making them ideal for wearing alone or layered over lipstick. Infused with a combination of nourishing organic shea butter, moisturising organic pistachio butter and smoothing passionfruit seed oil, these high-shine balm-like glosses deliver the shine you would expect from a gloss with the nourishing feel of a balm.

Available at www.siellabeauty.com, FACES and 6th Street.

Looking for the next best beauty product to pop into your bag? Check out Farah Baig’s top picks this month!

Yves Saint Laurent’s Versatile New Fragrance

If you love your fair share of edgy fragrances, you will love YSL’s new gender-fluid fragrance –La Vallière. The exclusive collection Le Vestiaire des Parfums revisits Yves Saint Laurent’s style in a collection of fragrant tributes, in an olfactory wardrobe inspired by the couturier’s signature fashion statements.

Just as Yves Saint Laurent drew his inspiration from masculine garments to reinvent women’s wardrobes, YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTÉ has created compositions showcasing an unexpected match of contrasting ingredients. The couture perfumery collection introduces a strikingly sophisticated addition to its elegant Vestiaire, inspired by YSL’s most gender-fluid accessory: La Vallière, a lustrous blend of pulpy fig and petally rose that gives the floral green genre a sleek, chic, androgynous twist. Several olfactory themes run through the fragrance - fruity, floral, green, woody… seamlessly intertwining the masculine and the feminine. There are several star players that make up the scent including blackcurrant bud absolute, fig, jasmine, rose essence, geranium and musk. Available at leading beauty stockists.

There are plenty of beauty products to choose from these days but not all of them meet our needs. We bring you the crème de la crème of selfcare and beauty products so you may truly stand out from the crowd.

Parfums de Marly’s Luxurious Body Oil

Luxury French Perfume House, Parfums de Marly, has expanded its Delina collection, unveiling an intensified sensual feminine blend with the ‘Delina Body Oil’.

Perfectly accompanying the Delina Eau de Parfum, the delicately scented dry oil adorns the skin with notes of rose, peony, lychee and grapefruit, on a subtle base of vanilla and musk. Inspired by the Delina collection of the famous Delina Exclusif and Delina La Rosée scents, the Delina Body Oil accompanies the collection’s shower gel, hair mist, body and hand cream.

The classic, yet decidedly contemporary floral blend of Delina was formulated in 2017 by the French perfumer Quentin Bisch. Inspired by 18th century perfumery and the Pavillon des Bains, a destination for wellbeing at the heart of the Château de Marly, the body oil is a sensual complement to modern beauty rituals.

Available across the Middle East at www.pmarly.com.

We’ve Got Our Eye on Tatti Lashes

World-renowned lash brand, Tatti Lashes, is ready to touch down in the UAE! The brand is officially the #1 lash brand (online) in Europe and is dominating the lash category globally. They are worn and adored as the ‘go-to’ lash brand for celebrities, influencers and makeup artists around the world.

In addition to a thriving portfolio of strip and individual lashes, Tatti Lashes retail an extensive range of accessories and beauty products for professionals and consumers. They have already collaborated with some of the biggest makeup artists in the world and graced the eyes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, the Kardashians and many more.

Tatti Lashes are environmentally conscious and suitable for sensitive skin as they are non-toxic, latex-free and vegan friendly. Already well established in Europe and the USA, Tatti Lashes is now on its way to the UAE to rejuvenate the lash category starting with a number of exclusive pop-up collaborations.

Visit www.tattilashes.com for more information.

Go Big and Bold with Flormar

Mascara has recently been elevated to a whole new level with the “anti-mascara” trend that has taken over TikTok. Interestingly, the ‘anti’ here doesn’t suggest a negative trend against using the mascara, rather it is one that embraces the mascara to create even bigger and bolder makeup looks.

Makeup lovers and influencers, including the likes of Huda Beauty and Divina Muse, are now applying mascara to their eyelids, temples, and even cheeks while experimenting with new strokes and patterns to create unique interpretations of the trend.

Flormar’s Big’ n Bold Mascara with its longlasting formula and special silicone brush is perfect to take on this trend without being heavy on the wallet. It also volumises your eyelashes and adds intensity and definition to your overall make-up. Available in both Lengthening and Waterproof variations, these mascaras feature a special smudge-proof formula that prevents clumping Available at all Flormar stores.

Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

What's More Important?

Our fast-paced society may give you the impression that your child needs to constantly focus on academic skills, but this shouldn’t always be the case. Ouiam El Hassani tells us why we need to build our children’s soft skills.

Parents of young children tend to worry a lot about whether or not their kids are making adequate gains as they launch into their academic careers. While early education creates an important foundation for academic skills, many parents would be surprised to know that social skills are actually far more predictive of outcomes into adulthood than early academics.

These days, many parents and schools may be feeling the pressure to cut back on play and social interaction in order to get more ‘hard skill’ instruction time in, it's actually those ‘soft skills’ that are most predictive of longterm success.

Here are some of the most crucial soft skills you need to foster in your child during their early years:

Play

Play is a powerful catalyst for development in the early years. By playing with others, children learn to negotiate, problem solve, take turns, share and experiment. You can help your child build these skills by making time for free play with other children.

Problem-solving

It is tempting to swoop in at the first disgruntled squawk and make everything right again. We confiscate the object of the argument, set timers, or send children to play in different areas. We're good at problemsolving because we get SO MUCH practice as parents! And while some of this may be necessary for survival, our kids need some of that practice too.

So, the next time your child has a problem, invite them to take part in that problemsolving process. You'll still be an active player, supporting your child through the process, while allowing them to take the lead.

How to label and recognise feelings

Children who are perceptive to the emotions around them are also able to get along well with others. You can foster this skill by calling attention to emotional cues and naming emotions. Storybooks are full of conflicts and emotions; they offer an opportunity to discuss the observed emotions easily because your child isn't tied up in the turbulent emotions themselves. From this comfortable vantage point, they're able to be more thoughtful about the emotions on the page and apply their understanding in real life. Another thing to keep in mind is that research has shown that excessive screen use may interfere with a child's ability to recognise emotions in others. So, make sure your kids get plenty of time to interact face-to-face with humans, rather than with pixels and lights on a screen.

How to be helpful

Being helpful to others requires children to look beyond themselves and recognise the needs of others. By noticing and complimenting your child when you notice helpful behaviour, you encourage them to continue.

Control their impulses

Children need opportunities to practice impulse control as the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which controls impulses, doesn’t completely develop well into early adulthood. It can be done through movement games that require a child to stop and go like ‘Red Light/Green Light’, ‘Dance and Freeze’, and ‘Simon Says’. They allow kids to practice quickly shifting gears

and controlling their impulses to move. ‘Soft’ social skills are developed in early childhood through the slow, simple processes of playing and interacting, engaging with famiy, and paying attention to the world around us. Needless to say, while ‘hard’ skills are helpful, ‘soft’ skills will serve our children much better and for much longer.

Inauguration of BMC Sravana Mahotsavam

The inauguration of BMC Sravana Mahotsavam 2022 was held in the BMC Auditorium, Segaiya.

Ethnic Elegance

If you swoon over a warm colour palette, intricate patterns and eclectic textures, an Indian touch to your home might just lend you some added comfort. Bright and bold, earthy and rustic, this home décor style is a timeless one, more so when the popular Indian festival of Diwali is round the corner. Add a few Indian accents to your living spaces to set a festive tone to the season, and watch your home come aglow.

IN THIS TOGETHER

Awareness is undoubtedly one of the greatest assets women can have in their fight against breast cancer. This month, the Woman This Month team spoke to the Consultant General Surgeon and Breast Cancer Specialist at Al-Zahra Hospital Dubai Dr. Taghreed Almahmeed, an American and Canadian Board-Certified Surgeon who holds professional memberships with the American College of Surgeons, the American Association of Cancer Research and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

She tells us how to conduct a breast exam, what symptoms to look for, and enlightens us on various treatments available to women.

Improving public awareness through campaigns is known to be significant in decreasing the overall mortality of breast cancer. “Head to your nearest health centre for routine breast cancer screening, which can help detect breast cancer before any symptoms are present. This is the most proactive and preventative thing you can do,” stresses Dr. Almahmeed.

“Cancer diagnosed before symptoms appear is more likely to be treated successfully, and the 5-year relative survival rate is 98 percent making early detection key,” she adds.

Menstruating women should conduct breast-self exams once a month, the week after their period ends when there is less swelling and tenderness. Women who have stopped menstruating or have irregular periods can pick a consistent day, like the first day of the month.

One of the signs that women must look or feel for is a lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm. Other symptoms include a change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast or nipple discharge that starts suddenly.

“An itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, or a new pain in one spot that does not go away are signs women should look for during the self-examination too. Should a woman feel any warning signs, she must go to a doctor,” she says.

The primary treatment for breast cancer at stages 1, 2 and 3 is surgery. “It is necessary

for women fighting cancer, and is recommended depending on the type, size, stage and grade, how advanced the cancer is, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones. Furthermore, it depends on the patient’s health and preferences,” she explains, adding that surgery is not usually performed on metastatic cancer.

The surgical approaches which women battling cancer can choose are a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy), a total mastectomy, a modified radical mastectomy, nipple sparing mastectomy or a mastectomy with breast reconstruction. “The breast looks closer to how it did before surgery with a lumpectomy which involves removing only the tumor and a rim of normal tissue around it. Radiation therapy is given after lumpectomy to remove any cancer cells that might remain in the breast, and it lowers the risk of breast cancer recurrence,” she explains.

During a total mastectomy, the whole breast is removed, including the nipple, while modified radical mastectomies involve an axillary node dissection. “This is when the surgeon removes the majority of lymph nodes under the arm,” she says.

Through a nipple sparing mastectomy, all the breast tissue is removed but the nipple,

areola, and skin of the breast is left intact. “Either a sentinel lymph node biopsy (removal and examination of the sentinel nodes), the first lymph nodes to which the cancer cells are likely to spread, or an axillary lymph node dissection will be done depending on the diagnosis and stage of the tumor,” explains Dr. Almahmeed.

Women can also opt for breast reconstruction which can be done at the same time as the mastectomy with implants or tissue flaps from somewhere else on the body.

“October is a month dedicated globally to Breast Cancer Awareness and so, I urge all women to make their breast health a priority and get themselves screened,” concludes Dr. Almahmeed.

Is there a skill you would like to learn?I would like to learn graphic design.

In Her Shoes

There is no limit to what an ambitious woman can accomplish. Women are naturally resilient, goal-oriented and capable of exuding an energy that inspires those around them. We had the pleasure of meeting one such woman, May Marzooq, who not only possesses these qualities but perfects them. Being the General Manager of Marketing & Business Development at Kooheji Development, May Marzooq is a truly professional marketing strategist who is passionate about formulating winning marketing strategies aside from cooking and all things related to food. Let’s step into her shoes!

What is a cause you are passionate about and why?

Planting trees because, in addition to its ability to fight climate change, greenery helps us achieve good mental health and wellbeing.

What are your top three perfumes?

Gris Dior, Lucky Dior, Pivoine Suzhou by Armani

What would you say is one of life’s greatest lessons to you?

That you will never find a work-life balance. Be authentic to yourself and do the best you can.

May Marzooq

What’s your favourite movie and why?

Inception. Despite the fact that it’s a science fiction movie, it shows how we can plant an idea in our minds and make it a reality - how our mind is capable of living a reality that does not exist.

What’s an achievement you are most proud of?

Having the ability to translate a business vision into marketing strategies that generate a solid business ROI.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chicken Risotto

Your go-to ice cream flavour is?

Vanilla! Also, I am a cake person.

Name three things you are most grateful for right now.

My health. My family. My career.

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