Woman This Month - August 2024 by Red House Marketing

FASHION

Exploring the Vibrant KILIMI Collection

PARENTING

SELFCARE

SUMMER STUNNERS

Prints,flowyfabricsandvibrantcolours arejustwhatyouneedthissummer. Thismonthweexplorethebrand RIANNA+NINAwhichisthrilledtodebut itsnewestcollection—KILIMI,atimeless seriesthatdrawsupontheintricatebeauty ofGreekcarpets.

Inspired by the rich heritage of kilim weaving found in various regions of Greece, and Rianna’s own journeys through scores of the country’s museums, the KILIMI collection takes in the handcrafted beauty of this ancient form of pile-free weaving and reimagines it with a modern twist.

RIANNA+NINA has always been known for its colourful universe. The womenled brand was created by two women with a love for vintage textiles treasure-hunted around the globe, a passion for craftsmanship, a deep belief in bringing true sustainable luxury to an extravagant clientele, and a desire to excite people with the extraordinary. It’s no wonder that it’s been featured in Emily in Paris and Just Like That

The brand’s KILIMI collection debuts with embroidered cotton fabrics and luxurious silks, promising a tapestry of textures and hues to indulge the senses. Alongside these pieces are the introduction of a groundbreaking series of denim creations, a first for RIANNA + NINA. Throughout all of the manifold mesmerising designs of this collection, Rianna brings the spirit of her Greek heritage into the wardrobes of those who desire style beyond simple luxury.

Throughout this collection, a diverse array of silhouettes are celebrated—from flowing designs such as the Kilimi Evening Overall Symi, effortlessly elegant and complemented by Gold Lamé accents with a matching, hand embellished, Swarovski crystal belt to accentuate the waistline; to the boxy silhouettes created by the Kilimi Clio Jacket designed of printed denim. The collection also features Evening Dresses, Beachwear, Scarves, Kaftans and more, all created of the finest Italian fabrics. It’s the perfect collection to have you looking fantastic this summer.

Thismonthweexplorethebrand

The prestigious Woman of the Year Awards 2024 will take place in grand fashion on December 2 this year. In our last edition, we announced that nominations for the awards were open until July 31. We are proud to announce that we have received over 300 nominations of stellar women in Bahrain across the 20 awards categories.

Prints,ﬂowyfabricsandvibrantcolours arejustwhatyouneedthissummer. Thismonthweexplorethebrand RIANNA+NINAwhichisthrilledtodebut itsnewestcollection̶KILIMI,atimeless seriesthatdrawsupontheintricatebeauty ofGreekcarpets.

Due to the popular demand of our followers, and avid readers of Woman This Month since its inception, this deadline has now been extended to August 25 to allow for more nominations.

Where can we submit our nominations?

Visit womanoftheyearawards.com to submit your nomination and explore the various award under the broad categories: Engineering and Technical, Business and Financial, Artistic and Creative, Lifestyle and Media, and Health, Social & Hospitality.

seriesthatdrawsupontheintricatebeauty ofGreekcarpets. twist.

in Focus

RIANNA+NINA has always been known for its colourful universe. The women-led brand was created by two women with a love for vintage textiles treasure-hunted around the globe, a passion for craftsmanship, a deep belief in bringing true sustainable luxury to an extravagant clientele, and a desire to excite people with the extraordinary. It’s no wonder that it’s been featured in , the Just Like That

We share the latest updates and answer some FAQs ahead of our December 2 event, including an extension of our nomination deadline due to popular demand.

Emily in Paris Sex and the City reboot and

The brand’s KILIMI collection debuts with embroidered cotton fabrics and luxurious silks, promising a tapestry of textures and hues to indulge the senses. Alongside these pieces are the introduction of a groundbreaking series of denim creations, a ﬁrst for RIANNA + NINA. Throughout all of the manifold mesmerising designs of this collection, Rianna brings the spirit of her Greek heritage into the wardrobes of those who desire style beyond simple luxury.

Throughout this collection, a diverse array of silhouettes are celebrated—from ﬂowing designs such as the Kilimi Evening Overall Symi, effortlessly elegant and complemented by Gold Lamé accents with a matching, hand embellished, Swarovski crystal belt to accentuate the waistline; to the boxy silhouettes created by the Kilimi Clio Jacket designed of printed denim. The collection also features Evening Dresses, Beachwear, Scarves, Kaftans and more, all created of the ﬁnest Italian fabrics. It’s the perfect collection to have you looking fantastic this summer.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Nominees must be current residents of Bahrain.

Former residents who have made signiﬁcant social welfare contributions in Bahrain are eligible for the philanthropy sub-category.

Startups in the Women in Innovation subcategory must have a valid Bahraini Commercial Registration (CR) and have been operational for at least one year.

Nominees must subscribe to Woman This Month’s free digital edition.

What happens once a person has been nominated?

Our Awards Review Committee, along with Russell Bedford Assure Audit, has begun its deliberation process, starting with the individual interviews of nominees to assess their eligibility. Once these nominees have been narrowed down, we will announce the top contestants for each category for the Woman of the Year 2024 following which you may then vote for the contestant you endorse.

How will voting take place?

Voting will be a combination of public votes and the Awards Review Committee (ARC) assessments. Each person will be limited to one vote to prevent multiple votes from the same source.

How is this process fair and transparent?

Russell Bedford Assure Audit keeps an eye on the outcomes and audits them to ensure transparency.

For further updates and information on our next event, you may follow @womanthismonth on Instagram, or visit womanthismonth.com

Celebrating Japanese Cuisine

World

An event was held at Darseen Cafe celebrating Japanese cuisine and the appointment of Budoor Steele as the Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador. The event highlighted cultural exchange through culinary arts.

International Yoga Day

The Art of Living celebrated International Yoga Day with a Yogathon at Al Ahli Sports Club.

Music Day

The Alliance Francaise in Bahrain in partnership with the French Embassy, Bahrain Jazz Fest and Clockwork hosted Fete de la Musique (World Music Day) in Isa Town.

LEADING LADIES FOR CHANGE

The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) was founded in 1956 by Leela Jashanmal and her friends as a place for Indian women to gather, indulge in creative activities and support each other as expats in Bahrain. ILA has grown from its humble beginnings to be an organisation renowned for its community outreach programmes, cultural shows and charitable initiatives. As part of our India in Bahrain supplement, ILA’s newly-elected Honorary President, Kiran Abhijit Mangle, tells us more about how ILA offers a platform for women to connect and contribute to Bahrain’s society.

Mrs. Mangle, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance, brings a wealth of experience from various sectors including IT, oil and gas, and banking. Inspired by its mission and the impact of its work, she began her journey with ILA a few years ago. As the Honorary President, her goals are to strengthen community outreach, enhance personal and professional development opportunities and foster a more inclusive environment within ILA.

“This year, we want to focus on nurturing entrepreneurship in women and building stronger networks with the Bahrain community,” Mrs. Mangle explains. “One of our key initiatives is expanding the Sneha recreational centre, which offers free recreational and developmental activities for children with special needs, to expand its capacity and extending the Basic English Speak Easy course to a broader audience. We also have our ILA Connect Monthly Newsletter as a platform for sharing stories, recipes, poems and insights, fostering meaningful partnerships and promoting our sponsors.”

ILA’s mantra is to offer cultural and talent competitions, workshops and personal development sessions that promote growth while preserving Indian traditions. “Our commitment to community service allows members to make a meaningful impact,” Mrs. Mangle adds. “Additionally, we encourage leadership and skill development, providing opportunities for women to take on roles, hone skills and gain valuable experience.”

Some of ILA’s most important philanthropic initiatives are its outreach programmes, such as visits to old age homes, health camps and educational workshops for children. Most importantly, Sneha offers activities like yoga, ballet, dance, baking, painting and gardening free of charge and five days a week.

One of the most anticipated events on Bahrain’s social calendar is the ILA Dandiya Utsav, which celebrates the traditional Indian folk dance, Dandiya.

“This year, it will be held on September 20 at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, featuring Disco Dandiya and Top Bollywood Dandiya and Garba songs by the renowned DJ Rahul,” Mrs. Mangle shares.

The event is expected to attract around 2,000 attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds across the GCC. In addition, ILA has a lineup of exciting events including a Thirst Drive for Workers Welfare, the launch of the ILA Connect Newsletter, health and wellness workshops and more.

ILA offers a plethora of activities to its members, including Empowering Women Entrepreneurs (EWE) with workshops, networking events, access to business incubator services, collaboration projects

and a mentorship programme. In addition, the ‘aaGaz’ Youth Empowerment Programmes provide leadership opportunities and skill development for young people while ILA’s Cultural Mosaic celebrates Indian culture through music, dance and art events.

Mrs. Mangle encourages all women of Indian origin in Bahrain to join the ILA.

“Together, we can achieve great things and make a positive difference in the lives of others. We continuously expand our programmes to have a greater community impact. Your support and involvement are crucial, so we invite everyone to participate in our events and initiatives.”

Women interested in joining ILA can apply for membership by visiting www.ilabahrain.com or contacting the association directly. Membership details include a registration fee and an annual membership fee, valid from January to December.

Noor Hamada’s journey as an artist began with a deep-seated family tradition of artistic talent. “Drawing is an inherited skill in my family,” she explains, tracing it back through generations. “My great-grandfather, despite losing his sight, was a skilled shipbuilder, while my grandfather Abbas was an art graduate from Egypt who carried his paintings worldwide.”

Inspired by the vibrant colours she encountered at markets as a child, Noor’s fascination with art and experimentation began early. As time passed, she was influenced more by personal experiences than specific artists. “I initially pursued realism in my work, and was drawn to its technical challenge despite a latent appreciation for abstract art. Over time, I embraced bold colours and innovative techniques, which marked a significant evolution in my artistic style,” she says.

When asked about her dream collaborations, Noor names Vincent Van Gogh and Gerhard Richter. Van Gogh’s emotional depth and vivid landscapes resonate deeply with her,

Art Imitating Life

Bahrain’s rising sketch artist, Noor Hamada, has been bringing art to life across the island garnering widespread attention. At a recent Woman This Month event, Shannan Peter Vaz chatted with Noor to find out more about her ingrained talent that was inspired across generations.

while Richter’s seamless blend of photorealism and abstraction continues to inspire her multifaceted approach to sketching.

Recognised as Bahrain’s first live fashion illustrator and first live wedding painter across the GCC, Noor attributes her popularity to her distinctive style and the enthusiastic recommendations of satisfied clients and admirers. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her artistic horizons through exploration of new mediums, international collaborations and mentorship initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists.

Noor’s sketches are characterised by a blend of realism, surrealism and abstract elements. Her ability to produce detailed fashion sketches in under eight minutes, as we witnessed firsthand at our event, showcases her proficiency and unique artistic flair.

“Early in my career, I faced challenges with the fast-paced demands of live sketching events,” she recounts. “However, through perseverance, innovation and commitment to

my growth as an artist, I developed techniques to efficiently produce over 80 sketches per event.”

Reflecting on her most rewarding experiences, Noor highlights collaborations with prestigious international brands such as Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BJC), Gucci, YSL, Bvlgari and Fendi, as well as exhibitions across the GCC, the United States, Finland (through the Civilisations Exhibition) and Egypt. Her accolades include the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa Global Award for Youth Creativity, underscoring her global recognition and impact in the art world. Noor’s journey from inheriting a family talent to becoming an acclaimed sketch artist is a testament to her dedication and vision. Her impact on the global art community continues to grow, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to artistic excellence.

“As an artist, my advice to aspiring creatives is to embrace your unique style and continually seek inspiration from your surroundings. Never shy away from experimenting with different techniques and mediums, as this will help you discover your true artistic voice. Persistence and practice are key—every sketch, every painting and every challenge you face will contribute to your growth. Lastly, always stay passionate and dedicated to your craft, for it is through passion that your art will truly resonate with others,” she says.

Noor’s artistic journey is not just a personal evolution but also a story of artistic perseverance and creativity. As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, her aspirations to further elevate her art and inspire others serve as a beacon for the future of Bahraini artistry.

Follow Noor on Instagram using the handle @artistenoor for more.

With heat and humidity comes the dreaded frizz. You can leave your house with smooth, silky hair and come back looking like it’s been through a hurricane. Thankfully, with HASK, you can enjoy a worry-free summer with Hask’s specialised Keratin Protein 5 in 1 Leave-In Spray which is designed to cater to all hair types.

Enriched with keratin protein, this multi-beneﬁt conditioning spray smooths, controls frizz, provides thermal protection, hydrates, detangles to prevent breakage and boosts shine. It’s a versatile solution for maintaining smooth, healthy-looking hair.

The Hask Keratin Protein range is perfect for those looking to achieve smooth, strengthened hair, minimise frizz, and add brilliant shine. Available at glambeaute.com.

Keep yourself looking and feeling your best this summer with our top beauty picks!

Summer essentials go well beyond ﬂowy dresses and trendy sunnies. This season, beat

to Make You Glow!

STAY RADIANT WITH FLORMAR

Flormar introduces a line-up of essential makeup products to help you stay fresh and radiant throughout summer. The brand’s fantastic Lip and Cheek tint has caught our attention as we just can’t resist its fresh glow.

This must-have versatile tint features a delightful watermelon ﬂavour while working to maintain the skin’s optimal moisture balance. Its special pigments ensure enduring wear, instantly enhancing your natural beauty with vibrant matte colour on lips and cheeks. It provides a polished appearance, and its buildable intensity and longlasting effect mean you can enjoy all-day wear without the need for touch-ups.

This summer must-have is available in red, brown, orange and pink shades. It complements all skin tones and makeup styles, offering effortless versatility for creating a variety of looks. Available at Flormar branches.

BE RADIANT WITH BIOBALANCE

At home skin peels have grown in popularity for their great results. These peels are gentle chemically exfoliants which help to remove impurities, detoxify your pores and promote new skin cell production through increased cellular turnover.

If you’re looking for the next best product for your collection of skincare, you’ll love the BIOBALANCE AHA Peeling Superserum which contains 8 percent Glycolic Acid. This product is best for treating ﬁne lines, wrinkles and dark spots. You can expect a

more even skin tone, smaller pores and less ﬁne lines and wrinkles. Ultimately, you can expect to soft, smooth and supple skin that is absolutely radiant.

It’s convenient dropper bottle makes it easy to use and store while carefully controlling the amount of product applied. Available at all Gulf Pharmacy branches.

GET READY TO GLOW

Enhance your natural radiance this summer and feel your absolute best with Wet N Wild’s Megaglo Glow in Love Radiance Liquid. It’s just what your makeup look needs to take it to the next, fabulous level.

This lightweight, buildable and blendable liquid formula delivers satin peachy pink drops infused with Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Glycerin. Giving you a subtle, rosy wash of colour for a youthful-looking glow. Available at amazon.ae, noon.com and glambeaute.com.

BEAUTIFY YOUR EYES

Globally-viral US makeup brand, RMS Beauty, redeﬁnes traditional beauty standards with its livingingredient based products. This summer, we’re ready to stand out with the brand’s unique ‘Eyelights’.

This longwearing, crease-proof cream eyeshadow is available in six buildable shades. Richly textured, they work to create a luminous, light-reﬂective ﬁnish that is subtle enough for daytime and buildable for a more dramatic evening look. Formulated with organic green tea and natural peptide quinoa extracts, it nourishes and smooths with each wear. RMS Beauty formulates its unique range of products with raw, food-grade, organic and natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced from nature and unique to indigenous cultures.

Available at thesecretskin.com.

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Parenting a Child with ADHD

ADHD – it’s a term we hear more often these days, but that doesn’t mean that we all understand the full scope of it. Parenting columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, walks us through how we can understand and support our delightful, whirlwind children with ADHD.

Does your child resemble a miniature hurricane – constantly on the move and leaving a trail of unfinished tasks? Perhaps you find yourself repeating instructions like a mantra, only to be met with blank stares or impulsive actions. These could be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions of children worldwide. While raising a child with ADHD can be a whirlwind itself, understanding the condition and implementing positive strategies can create a nurturing environment for your child to flourish.

Imagine the brain as a complex orchestra. In a typical brain, different sections seamlessly work together to produce a harmonious melody. In children with ADHD, the communication between these sections can be disrupted, leading to difficulties with focus, organisation, and self-control.

ADHD manifests in three main ways:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Children with this type have difficulty focusing, staying organised, and completing tasks. They may seem easily distracted and forgetful, often daydreaming or losing track of

conversations. Schoolwork can be a particular struggle, as focusing on lectures or completing assignments can be overwhelming.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: These children exhibit excessive energy levels, fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty waiting their turn. They might seem like they’re constantly “on,” rushing from one activity to another without completing any. Impulsivity can manifest in blurting out answers before questions are finished, making reckless decisions, or having difficulty controlling their emotions.

Combined Presentation: This is the most common type, and children display symptoms from both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. They may struggle to focus on tasks while also exhibiting excessive energy and impulsive behaviour.

Living with a child who has ADHD can be frustrating for both parties. Imagine the constant struggle to focus on homework battles, the exasperation of unfinished chores, or the social difficulties that arise from impulsive behaviour. However, with the right approach, you can empower your child to manage their symptoms and thrive.

Here are some points to consider, if you are raising a child with ADHD:

Embrace Structure and Routines: Children with ADHD benefit from predictable routines. Create clear schedules for waking up, bedtime, meals, and homework time. Visual aids like charts and calendars can be helpful reminders. Break down overwhelming projects into smaller, more manageable steps with clear rewards for completion. This predictability helps children with ADHD feel secure and in control.

Minimise Distractions: Create a quiet, clutter-free workspace to help your child focus. Limit screen time before homework sessions and turn off notifications on electronic devices. A calm environment reduces the barrage of stimuli that can overwhelm children with ADHD.

Positive Reinforcement: Focus on praising desired behaviours rather than dwelling on mistakes. Celebrate even small successes to boost your child’s self-esteem. This positive reinforcement system encourages your child to continue building positive habits.

Communication is Key: Talk to your child about ADHD in an age-appropriate way. Explain that it’s not a fault, but a difference in how their brain works. Encourage them to express their feelings and frustrations openly. Open communication fosters trust and understanding between you and your child.

Movement Matters: Physical activity is a crucial outlet for a child’s energy. Encourage regular exercise like sports, running, or even short activity breaks between tasks. Movement helps children with ADHD burn off excess energy and improve focus.

Seek Professional Help: A paediatrician or child psychiatrist can diagnose your child’s ADHD and recommend treatment options. This may include medication, behavioural therapy, or a combination of both. Medication can help regulate brain chemicals that contribute to ADHD symptoms, while therapy can teach coping mechanisms and organisational skills. Professional help creates a comprehensive approach to manage ADHD.

Take care of yourself: Parenting a child with ADHD can be demanding. Don’t neglect your own needs. Prioritise self-care, whether it’s reading a book, spending time with friends, or taking a relaxing bath. Consider support groups or online forums to connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the

energy and emotional resilience to support your child.

Raising a child with ADHD requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. There will be challenges and setbacks, but remember you’re not alone. By implementing these strategies, seeking support, and celebrating your child’s unique strengths,

you can create a nurturing environment where they can thrive. The journey ahead might be a whirlwind, but with the right tools and unwavering love, you can help your child navigate the storms and reach their full potential. Remember, your child is not defined by their ADHD, but by the boundless potential that lies within them.

Fireside Chat

British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain held a Fireside Chat with COO of Bahrain Fintech Bay, Suzy Al Zeerah, along with other professionals in the field.

Meal prepping has become a popular strategy for maintaining a balanced diet amidst busy schedules. We share our favourite version of a healthy quinoa bowl for your next meal prep.

WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST

Quinoa Bowls

Among the various ingredients ideal for meal preps, quinoa stands out for its versatility, nutritional benefits and ease of preparation. This superfood breakfast bowl is a nutritious and versatile option for starting your day. This recipe combines protein-rich quinoa with fresh fruits, creamy Greek yoghurt, and crunchy nuts, providing a balanced mix of nutrients that will keep you energised throughout the morning.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa

PREPARATION

• 2 cups water or milk (can be substituted with almond milk, soy milk, or other nut milks)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 cup mixed fresh berries

• 2 tbps honey or maple syrup (to taste)

• ¼ cup nuts (roughly chopped)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract(optional)

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

1. Place 1 cup of quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Next, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa tender.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

4. In a bowl, place a portion of the cooked quinoa. You can serve it warm or let it cool down to room temperature, depending on your preference.

5. Mix the quinoa with Greek yogurt, vanilla and cinnamon, and top with a handful of mixed fresh berries for a burst of protein, antioxidants and vitamins.

6. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the bowl. This can be adjusted based on your preference.

7. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top. Your quinoa breakfast bowl is ready to serve. You can prepare multiple servings and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for busy mornings. This recipe can be adjusted with a variety of fruit, including delicious bananas, apples, peaches or mangoes. Coconut shavings, chia seeds, cocoa nibs, flaxseeds and more can be alternated as toppings for a change in flavour. You can also swap the Greek yogurt for regular yogurt, dairy-free yogurt or cottage cheese. We hope you enjoy this recipe throughout this hot summer!

What’s the most memorable event that recently took place in your life?

I have two that really stand out - the first was starting my business - Baby Essentials - with a newborn on my lap and an Instagram account. Over the years, I met so many amazing women through Baby Essentials who are still great friends. I absolutely love the incredible tribe that the brand built.

It’s been a huge year for my family; we’ve celebrated my eldest daughter’s 18th birthday, her new driving licence, and high school graduation from St Chris. I’ll be heading to Toronto to drop her off to university this summer. It’s been an emotional year!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would love to be able to time travel. I’d be constantly re-living all the great times and fast-forwarding through the rough ones!

When going on vacation, do you opt for one that is relaxing or adventurous?

I have three kids - my life is an adventure! I’d definitely choose a relaxing vacation on a beach somewhere!

InHerShoes

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Everything happens for a reason - it’s helped me get through some really tough times - and they’re right; once the dust settles, you realise that there was something even better waiting for you on the other side.

St Christopher’s School Director of Marketing, Sonali Thadani, is a seasoned professional with several great qualities. Of these qualities, she considers being a great mother, particularly resilient and optimistic in the face of every situation to be her very best. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!