The Kingdom of Bahrain will mark its 50th National Day on December 16, 2021 – a true milestone for the Kingdom. On the occasion we spoke to some of Bahrain’s most influential, inspirational and driven women who shared their thoughts on the Kingdom’s achievements, the role of women and more.
H.E. Nancy Dinah Elly Khedouri – Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee and Youth Affairs Committee, The Shura Council
This year’s National Day Celebration is distinctive, as Bahrain celebrates its Golden Jubilee and I take the opportunity to wish our Leadership and Nation.
As a Bahraini, I feel very proud of the 50 Golden Years of National Achievement in all sectors and wish many more prosperous years of continued Peaceful Coexistence and for further development to reach the Economic Vision 2030 under the Reform Project of His Majesty.
On the occasion of Martyrs Day, I stand in solidarity with the families of our fallen servicemen and with our nation, recalling their heroic sacrifices in line of duty and from this commemorative day, we draw lessons from the sacrifices of our martyrs, hailing their heroism and we pledge continued allegiance to Country and King.
On the occasion of Bahrain Police Day, I take the opportunity to congratulate His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and the entire MOI Team, thanking them wholeheartedly for remarkably maintaining National Security and Stability, serving the Community and enforcing the Law professionally and transparently, boosting the comprehensive development march of His Majesty and being dedicated to their mission.
Ahlam Janahi – President, Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, women have entered a golden era during the reign of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the leadership of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women.
We have a champion in our Crown Prince and PM, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa who has a keen sensitivity for inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
Women in Bahrain also benefitted greatly from the encouragement and support of the late Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Businesswomen have especially found an empowering environment where laws have been created to support their role in nation-building and access to finance, training and start-up culture have been enabled.
What we need is to create more awareness of new areas of opportunity – technology has radically changed workplaces, workplace culture and created new spaces to explore. Women must move into these new spaces as entrepreneurs and narrow the digital divide.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a shining beacon of excellence and hope across the world. It is an example of all that can be achieved when the leadership of the nation and its people work together towards the future, progress, and development. I am proud to belong to a nation that is at the forefront of bringing the world together, welcoming religions, investing in its own citizens, and in leaders who work with dedication for their people.
My sincerest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), citizens and residents of Bahrain on the Bahrain National Day and the anniversary of His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne.
Dr. Mariam Alammadi, Psychologist, Founder of The Child & Family Foundation, Founder and President of Afkarech Female Network
To quote HRH Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa “she read, she learnt and she contributed”. Each and every day Bahraini women are contributing and excelling in all fields and in particular fields that were previously male-dominated.
These women are the role models who young Bahraini girls can look up to and aspire to be. They teach them that no dream or career is unattainable. Growing up knowing that you can excel at any field you wish is priceless.
Bahrain has also recently ranked first in the Gulf Region for bridging the gender gap which shows how far the Kingdom has progressed. I am exceptionally proud of my heritage and to be in a country where women are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
My hope for the future is that Bahraini women will continue to be represented in public office. Women leaders will help strengthen policies and legislation for greater gender equality. As we say in my organisation, Afkarech Female Network, “All women need to be free is to determine success on their own terms.”
Noor Toorani, Regional Expansion Head at Shamsaha Women’s Center
This year is special – we are not only celebrating Bahrain’s unity, inclusivity and progress, but we are reminded of all those who paved the path towards our prosperity and of the many milestones that are yet to come.
In the last 50 years, Bahrain has made incredible strides in women’s empowerment and advancement in terms of reforms, policies, legislation and community initiatives. While around the world true gender equality is yet to be achieved – I am proud to be a Bahraini woman working towards this sustainable development goal, which I am able to because of all the freedom and advancements my country has given me.
I truly hope to be around for our 100th National Day because I cannot wait to witness and celebrate what we achieve as a nation.
Noor Taha, Bahrain Olympic Swimmer
It is well known that Bahraini women have an active role in all sectors beside men in the modern day society and it is a very honourable thing for the Bahraini woman.
There is nothing that Bahraini women cannot achieve. Bahraini women are seen today doing all kinds of honest work, from nurses to successful entrepreneurs, chefs, engineers, athletes etc. Personally, I chose the path of an athlete because I felt like it was the right thing to do and I fell in love with the sport of swimming. I now compete in the biggest competitions around the world representing Bahrain, all possible with the help of the Kingdom and its efforts to take good care of its people.
Hanin Almugahwi- Architectural Engineer, Social Media Influencer & Influencer Marketing Manager
Bahrain’s 50th National Day is a historic milestone for the Kingdom. December 16 holds great importance in the history of Bahrain. In recent years, the Kingdom has received global recognition for their achievements and foresighted efforts, especially where their efforts to combat the pandemic are concerned. That being said, Bahrain has made huge strides in several areas and continues to care for its people in every way.
Bahraini women are considered a key element in the development process in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and their contributions extend to all aspects of public life, including politics, social development, business, etc. Their role as a crucial element of society continues to grow with every year. They are pioneering women who read, learn and continue to help build their community with the same enthusiasm and determination. I am, without a doubt, proud to be a Bahraini woman.
Sofia Al Asfoor- Founder & Designer of Sofia Al Asfoor Luxury Handbags
As a proud Bahraini woman I am grateful for the continuous support our country offers to our people, showing us that nothing is impossible. Thank you for embracing us and allowing us to achieve our dreams and our visions.
I wish the Kingdom of Bahrain a future of happiness and prosperity. Happy 50th National Day my beloved Bahrain.
Manar Nadeem Deyani – Miss Universe Bahrain
My mission on the Miss Universe stage was to represent my country and show the world the modernity of those from the Middle East. We are so empowered and highly celebrated in this part of the world; I humbly take pride in that.
Over the years women with the same values and passion have come together and celebrated their strength and individuality! The most important thing to remember is that Bahraini women are powerful! It wasn’t just a walk on stage, the message was greater than that!
The most important thing for me was to show the world that regardless of your size, shape, skin colour and beliefs, every woman is beautiful in her own right and that kindness and love is the greatest crown a woman can wear. And even if I was short, in height, Bahrain will always make me stand up tall! Bahraini women’s voices are powerful because our country has our back and supports us and for that I am grateful.
Dr. Julie Sprakel – Founder, Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society
On the occasion of Bahrain’s 50th National Day, Think Pink Bahrain would like to congratulate HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for this milestone and that of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, 20 years ago. I am proud to call the Kingdom home for the last 18 years. Opportunities have been given to many women who are change agents within the country, due to His Majesty’s Vision. Inclusion over the years has seen women leading across all spectrums of society. As a mother of a young Bahraini woman, I feel the future is bright for her and all of us. For that I am thankful. Happy National Day to one and all!
Lulwa Sowaileh – Chef
Working in a culinary field allows you to show love, creativity and passion through food, especially if it is the food you grew up with. There is nothing more satisfying than bringing your own vision to your creations and seeing it bring joy to others.
The most humbling achievement is to encourage the next generation of food industry workers to have an open mind to all aspects of food and not just one path regardless of society’s opinions. I hope to see more Bahrainis succeeding in following their passion in the industry. Happy National Day!
Mojda Banahi – Vice Chairwoman of Bahrain Rescues
In the spirit of the 50 year anniversary of Bahrain’s National Day, our country can be summed up in five words that are as relevant now as the generations before us and will be after us: the pearl of the Gulf. It is beautiful, resilient, and more valuable with time.
Dana Zubari – Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Tru Active
Bahraini women have come such a long way, but we have much more to achieve in closing the gender gap whether it is in wages, jobs, and rights. We are lucky to be citizens in a country where they are trying to close these gaps. Have a great National Day, ladies; we are lucky and blessed to be Bahraini citizens.
Noof Alshekar – Founder and Managing Director of NS by Noof
To all women “Stand tall like a palm tree, always be humble with everyone, grateful for where you came from and let the sky be your limit when you think of the future.”
Ahdeya Alsayed – Bahrain Writer and Member of Gender Council, International Federation of Journalists
This is the 50th National Day of my beloved Bahrain. No words can even describe how proud I feel about how my country has succeeded on all levels, throughout the years. Fifty Years have passed and we have seen what we have achieved. The next 50 years is dedicated to the future of our children.
Women in the past half century started so small in their contributions towards progress on different levels.Today, the sky’s the limit. We know that nothing is impossible anymore. In journalism and media, our women have been shining and the beauty about Bahrain is that together, we Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis built this beautiful nation.
So, Happy National Day to you all for loving our country, believing in it and knowing that it will always be the home away from your home.
Esin Çak?l – Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye
On the occasion of Bahrain’s Golden Jubilee, I would like to expand my sincere congratulations and express my best wishes for the well-being and prosperity to the friendly people of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As a woman ambassador in Bahrain, I wholeheartedly commend Bahrain’s vision on women empowerment and sincerely believe that Bahraini vision continues to inspire women in the wider region
Mary-Justine Todd – Founder and Executive Director, Shamsaha Women’s Center
Bahrain is one of the greatest countries on earth! As a woman, an expatriate, an entrepreneur and a humanitarian, Bahrain has given me a wonderful life. If the next fifty years look anything like the last, I can only imagine it will get better and better. Congratulations to all on Bahrain’s 50th National day!
Suzy Kanoo – CEO, Khalil bin Ebrahim Kanoo
Happy National Day to the land of tolerance and prosperity. We live in a society that believes and supports women. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to grow up here where women are given the platform to grow, prosper and achieve their dreams. The future looks even brighter with the next generation and I cannot wait to see their breakthrough achievements in such a beautiful country.
