Woman This Month - July 2024 by Red House Marketing

What Yo Need This Summe

The title says it all really! The fact of the matter is that temperatures are rising to record levels this year. Here’s what you need to look and feel cool as you’re out and about.

Layers are out and cool, breathable fabrics are in as temperatures rise beyond 40 degrees this summer. But just because you’re coping with the sweltering heat, doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish in the process. We’ve curated some of our favourite essentials for this summer to have you looking great whether you’re out at the beach or on an errand run.

Summe Chic:

Never Fully Dressed Co-Ords

Never Fully Dressed reveals its latest drop of summer co-ord sets, setting the stage for a season of style and sophistication. Crafted with the modern woman in mind, the new summer co-ords from Never Fully Dressed epitomise effortless elegance fused with contemporary flair. Each ensemble is perfectly curated to exude confidence, offering fashion enthusiasts an impeccable blend of comfort and luxury for those balmy summer days and sultry nights.

The collection showcases vibrant hues, captivating prints and luxe fabrics, ensuring wearers stand out wherever they go. From bold palm prints to timeless stripes, each co-ord set is designed to make a statement, whether it’s a leisurely brunch with friends or an evening soirée under the stars.

Accessoies That Make the Outfit: PDPAOLA

The renowned jewellery brand PDPAOLA is thrilled to announce the launch of the Aqua Collection, an exquisite line of jewellery that’s just perfect for summer. This new collection is a celebration of the beauty of nature and the serenity of the sea, designed to bring elegance and sophistication to any wardrobe.

Inspired by the Mediterranean, the Aqua Collection boasts a summer colour palette featuring blue hues and golden undertones. These versatile colours can be effortlessly incorporated into any wardrobe, capturing the essence of a holiday by the sea. Each piece echoes the tranquility of the water, with smooth contours and undulating shapes that reflect the beauty of the 90s aesthetics, reimagined for today’s fashion-forward audience.

The collection introduces new possibilities in the pendants category with reinvented Drop pendants in transparent crystal rock. Additionally, new sphere shapes can be mixed with the drop pendants for a playful, modern look. The introduction of a new leather bow necklace offers even more styling options, making the pendant category a key visual differentiator in the collection. The distinctive designs and gemstones in the Aqua Collection offer statement pieces that truly stand out.

These unique pieces are chunky yet sophisticated, providing an everyday appeal that is both bold and elegant.

The Best Travel Copanio: Tory Burch

Whether you’re planning a staycation or a vacation, Tory Burch’s Summer 2024 collection is just what you need. The collections bright colours, metallic and handcrafted textures are sure to elevate any outfit. The Ella Hand-Crocheted Totes and Kira Sport Sandals are just what you need to a day at the beach or stroll around town. Trendy and fabulous!

A SPRITZ OF FLORAL FRESHNESS

We all have an adventure with N°5 to share. The iconic House essence of Chanel has imbued our memories in such a way, that its mere presence can bring back a smile, a journey, a loved one or an emotion. Now CHANEL N L’EAU an enchanting fragrance with oral freshness is here to create new memories this summer. It is an impulsive radiant drop of fragrance whose dazzling citrus rays soar skywards, elevated by aldehydes. hen comes a oral swirl of asmine, rose and ylang-ylang, then fnally, dynamic vetiver and cedar. It’s a captivating fragrance that creates memories for the wearer and all.

This miracle fragrance now leaves its historical bottle behind and wears a second skin of glass that embodies the secret alchemy between strength and fragility required to capture passing time. Are you ready for a spritz of freshness this season? We know we are. Available at leading beauty stockists.

Ultra Fresh

The heat is on and with it comes the need for products that keep you feeling fresh, radiant and cool. We present you with five fantastic products that you’re sure to love this hot summer!

ALL YOU NEED AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

The new UAE-based clean beauty brand, Bamteek, and the cult Moroccan beauty brand, whind, are excited to announce their new partnership. United by their commitment to premium, cruelty-free and environmentally responsible beauty products, the duo brings you the best of sustainable and clean beauty this summer.

The limited-edition, eco-friendly beauty pouch serves as the ultimate travel companion. Made from sustainable canvas fabric, this pouch is perfect for the ecoconsciousness and comes flled with skincare essentials. The travel size pouch features Bamteek’s Travel Towel, whind’s Marrakech Rich Ultimate Cream in 15ml for the perfect boost of nourishment, Medina Dew Melting Rose Water Cream in 15ml for a burst of dewy moisture and Marrakech Light Illuminating Magic Oil in 10ml for that ultimate glow on the go.

Experience the essence of seamless skincare on the go! Available at bamteek.com and whind.com.

A new eco-luxury skincare brand, Clean Rebel, is your key to squeaky-clean, detoxed skin this hot summer. Each product is made with the fnest food-grade organic and vegan oils, oral waters and essences. Free from hormone disruptors, known carcinogens, and skin irritants, Clean ebel ensures that every ingredient is safe and effective. Ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably, with partnerships established with suppliers who share the same values. It’s ust we love to hear his summer, we’ve stocked up on the Essence Cleanser which gently and thoroughly removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup, purifying your skin while leaving it visibly invigorated, toned and nourished. Infused with refreshing Organic Cucumber Extract, it hydrates and soothes, providing water-soluble vitamins and detoxifying benefts. Our Essence Cleanser is the ideal frst step in your skincare routine, preparing your skin for the hydration and moisture steps that follow.

Embracing a holistic approach to beauty, Clean ebel believes true beauty is more than skin deep. The brand offers luxurious skincare products formulated with clean, high-performance ingredients, ushering in a new era of conscious beauty that benefts people, animals, and the planet.

Available at cleanrebel.com.

GET CLOSER TO YOUR HAIR GOALS!

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of LUSH’s cruelty-free, clean beauty and selfcare products. With record-high temperatures, you’re likely going to need more frequent hair washes this summer. While we’re pursuing perfectly clean tresses, we’re also after our haircare goals of having LUSH-cious locks with the Wasabi Shan ui shampoo. his stimulating wasabi, horseradish and caffeine shampoo can supercharge your hair follicles and scalp. Meanwhile, epsom salt and sea salt thickens and volumise your hair while virgin olive oil helps enhance tensile strength. It’s a recipe for hair that turns heads Available at LUSH branches and online at lush.com/mena.

GLOW WITH MINIMALIST

With hyperpigmentation, dullness and spots being ma or concerns, at home skin peels have grown in popularity for their great results. hese peels are gentle chemically exfoliants which help to remove impurities, detoxify your pores and promote new skin cell production through increased cellular turnover.

You can achieve soft, supple skin with the Minimalist AHA 2 PHA BHA 2 Face Peel. he gentle face peel exfoliates on multiple levels, both on the surface and inside the pores, to give you healthy, glowing skin. he facial peel is infused with a blend of 2 AHA, PHA and 2 BHA to clear out congestion, promote elasticity and deliver baby-soft skin.

It’s convenient dropper bottle makes it easy to use and store while carefully controlling the amount of product applied.

Available at namshi.com.

FROM BAHRAIN TO BALLOTS

Heather Harper MBE is a former Bahrain resident who was a pioneer in the Gulf region’s broadcast media industry and one of the founding presenters of Bahrain 55 TV in the early 1980s. She is currently Chairman of the Bahrain Society in the UK, part of a familyowned energy company with origins in C enfranchisement increase since women We asked her to share her thoughts on

is to take a wooden spatula with you to poke the campaign for the chosen candidate. It is quite extraordinary seeing the way people

The countless asks of friends and family who T candidate support. There is though usually great T

to all and… well, the rest is history and that was I grass routes through countless local and General

get the bit between my teeth and lobby the of disenfranchisement. ‘Votes for Life’ was E C A successfully campaigned to appoint a dedicated

spectrum of interests including the Richings

enriched life in our community. It’s the belief in helping make the community

“Good morning, I’m one of your local councillors

Woman of the Year Awards Launch

NURTURING TIES WITH BELGIUM

The Kingdom of Bahrain and Belgium have enjoyed di lomatc relatons for over years. Woman This Month met with the onorary Consul for elgium in ahrain, Martne . indt, who highlighted the tes between the two countries.

Ms. Kindt was appointed as the Honorary Consul for Belgium in Bahrain in March 2023 by Royal Decree in Belgium. “I felt it was a great honour to represent my country abroad and to be of service,” says Ms. Kindt.

Since the Honorary Consulate in Bahrain does not issue passports or visas, Ms. Kindt also guides Belgians to the relevant persons and services. “Bahrain falls under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Kuwait and we have

“As Honorary Consul, my primary responsibility is to assist Belgians in need in Bahrain, be it a resident of the Kingdom or visitor,” she explains. “Secondly, I support my non-resident Ambassador and assist him with all

“Bahrain is business-friendly which is quite encouraging and I am quite impressed with how well-represented Belgian products here. Belgium mainly exports heavy machinery and parts to Bahrain, with companies like Besix having a strong presence here. Diamonds are also an important part of the exports,” she states.

Several world-renowned food brands have been established in Belgium; these brands including mouth-watering Belgian chocolates such as Godiva and Guylian are widely distributed in the Kingdom. “Lotus Speculoos and plant-based products by Alpro are also popular apart from our famous Belgian beverages,” she says.

mission in October last year organised by our Belgian Embassy. Several

bin Jabr Al Doseri and I are exploring how we can enhance exchanges and

“Being in a wonderful host country, I aim to bring the best experience to

IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOTBALL

In a region fraught with political turmoil and societal constraints, the Palestinian Women’s National Football Team has emerged as a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Under the leadership of manager Deema Youssef and captain Aya Khattab, the team navigates a path laden with challenges but driven by an unwavering commitment to the sport and their country. They spoke to Woman This Month to share their heroic story.

Ms. Youssef, a former player and captain for the team before becoming its dedicated manager, begins by revealing the difficulty it has functioning on the international stage. “Managing the team, especially in the current challenging environment, is a significant responsibility. It’s not as easy as it sounds,” she explains. “There are numerous obstacles we face, from facilitating matches and practices to ensuring the safety of our players. The community is not as open to women’s sports as we hope for it to be someday.”

Despite these hurdles, she finds immense satisfaction in her role. “It brings me so much joy to see the girls pursuing their dreams of playing football and representing Palestine. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do myself. Moving from being a team captain to this managerial role is very important for me personally.”

The team’s journey on the international stage began in 2008 with its first international match, which ended in a tie. “It was a historic moment for Palestinian women’s football,” Ms. Youssef reminisces. She was quick to emphasise the team’s ambitions to reach the

World Cup, highlighting the progressive steps the Palestinian Football Association is taking to achieve this goal. “We see how women’s football is reaching global stages nowadays, and we hope one day to be part of that. We are working step-by-step with a very young team, aged between 16 and 29.”

Ms. Khattab, the team captain, progressed with the national side through various age levels.

“I’ve been playing for the team for about 10 years now,” she explains. “As a young girl, I was inspired by the Brazilian legend Marta and I’ve tried to emulate her. I started with the under 14s, 16s and 18s, before becoming a regular player and now captain.”

Both women were keen to shine a light on the impact of ongoing political issues on the team’s training and preparation. “It’s really hard for us. We stopped all sporting events or competitions throughout the country since the start of the war,” Ms. Youssef noted.

“Getting the players together is a significant challenge due to checkpoints and border restrictions. Some training camps have as few as six players instead of the full team.”

The team faces severe logistical challenges,

with military presence and safety concerns affecting their operations and morale.

Despite these difficulties, the team’s spirit remains unbroken as it prepares for upcoming competitions, including the West Asia and Asian competitions next year.

“We are very resilient people,” Ms. Khattab asserts. “Even with all the challenges, we manage to continue. We have faced situations like tear gas being thrown at us during a match, but we push through.”

The team also strives to connect internationally, recently playing a match against a local team in Ireland, Bohemians, and it had a significant impact. “We are open to any opportunity to play internationally, as it represents more than just competition for us; it’s about being seen and heard,” Ms. Youssef argues proudly. “We encourage international teams to reach out, so we can continue to foster hope and showcase our unyielding spirit.”

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O NTO N ROTANA

Farah Baig discovers the hospitality jewel in the heart of Manama that is Downtown Rotana. She tells all about her day of rest, relaxation and indulgence that tops the list of her staycation experiences.

“I really could use a break.” Friends, family and every willing over the last few months. The reality of being an adult head to the airport whenever you feel like it. Lucky for me, R

THE EPITOME OF COMFORT

the revolving doors of the property is like taking a

that the hotel supports through their Culture Hub and quick, a pleasant experience heightened by the experiences. Could I really be in store for so much enjoyment in just a day?

couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement; it was welcoming to say the least. The room was tastefully decorated and featured a dining table, sofas, a TV

the experience. The room also boasts a large bathtub,

Scan to watch the video

SUSHI AND SOME RELAXATION

Teens andImageBody

Struggling with one’s body image is something we can all relate to. It’s something that is

changes. Ouiam El Hassani tells you how to help your teen have a healthy body image.

Picture day dread. Social media envy. Corridors and hallways anxieties. Welcome to the wild world of teen body image! As a parent, witnessing your teen navigate this often-challenging terrain can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This journey can be a collaborative effort and you can be a powerful ally in helping your teen build rock-solid confidence. Teens today face a relentless barrage of unrealistic beauty standards. Social media acts as a funhouse mirror, reflecting distorted images of “perfection” through filtered photos and curated online personas. The constant comparison to these unattainable ideals can chip away at their selfesteem, creating a sense of inadequacy and insecurity. The desire to fit in adds another layer of complexity. Peer pressure can lead teens to believe in a narrow definition of beauty and teasing or bullying based on appearance can be a major confidence crusher. Then comes puberty which throws a wrench into everything. Rapid physical changes can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when combined with societal expectations about what a “normal” body should look like.

Social media acts as a funhouse mirror, reﬂecting distorted images of “perfection” through ﬁltered photos and curated online personas.

So, how can you spot red flags that your teen might be struggling? While some self-consciousness is a normal part of adolescence, be mindful of signs that might indicate a deeper issue. Is your teen constantly checking mirrors, weighing themselves daily, or fixated on negative self-talk about their body? Are they drastically changing their eating habits, skipping meals or exercising excessively in a way that seems unhealthy? Have they become less social, avoiding activities where their bodies are on display? Are they expressing feelings of isolation or depression?

The good news is, there are many ways you can empower your teen to conquer the confidence course of body image. Start by being a body positive champion. Teens are keen observers, picking up on how you talk about yourself. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on health and well-being, not just weight. Show them that you value your own body for its capabilities and what it allows you to do, not just how it looks.

Shift the focus to celebrate your teen’s achievements and strengths that go beyond appearance. Highlight their talents, skills and personality traits. Let them know you’re proud of them for winning the debate team competition, not just for the way they look in their new outfit. Puberty is a natural process, not a reason for shame. Talk openly about physical changes and answer questions honestly without judgment. Normalise these changes by discussing them as a normal part of growing up.

bystander

Help your teen see the beauty in diversity. Seek out media that showcases all body types and challenge unrealistic beauty standards by praising real, diverse representation. Expose them to movies, shows and magazines that feature characters of all shapes and sizes. Promote healthy eating habits and regular exercise for overall well-being, not just weight control. This will help them develop a positive relationship with food and movement. Focus on the importance of nourishing their bodies with healthy foods to fuel their activities and promote overall health, not just achieving a certain number on the scale.

The most important tip is to create a safe space for open communication. Listen actively without judgment and reassure your teen of your unwavering support. Let them know they can express their feelings and concerns freely. If they’re struggling with their body image, don’t dismiss their worries. Validate their feelings and encourage them to talk openly about what’s bothering them. If they’re hesitant to talk to you, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor specialising in adolescent development. A therapist can provide them with

a safe space to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, this is a team effort. By fostering open communication, equipping your teen with self-acceptance, and cheering them on every step of the way, you can help them conquer the confidence course of body image and emerge with a healthy selfesteem that shines brighter than any filtered picture. They may still face challenges, but with your support, they’ll have the tools they need to navigate the complexities of body image and build a strong sense of self. This journey won’t be a sprint, but a marathon, and your presence as a supportive and understanding parent will make all the difference.

TeachMeet2 Following the success of the first TeachMeet event at Nadeen School, TeachMeet2 was announced. This collaborative event featured speakers from Bahrain’s outstanding international schools and was hosted at Nadeen School’s new Dilmunia Campus.

NOMINATE A STELLAR WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

The Woman This Month team proudly opened nominatons for the ‘Woman of the Year wards ’ in the month of une. s nominatons for the restgious awards remain o en untl uly , we answer all your fre uently asked uestons.

On June 9, the Woman This Month team held a special afternoon tea event to announce the five broad categories encompassing 20 awards in addition to one ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award. Nominations for the awards, the ceremony for which will take place on December 2, is now open and will come to a close on July 31.

Here is everything you need to know:

What is the ‘Woman of the Year Awards’?

The Woman of the Year Awards recognise outstanding women in Bahrain across various fields. The awards aim to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in engineering, business, arts, health, education, and more.

Scan to nominate!

What are the categories?

1. Engineering and Technical

● Women in Architecture, Construction & Real Estate

● Women in Aviation (Pilots, Administrators, Engineers & ATCs)

● Women in Industry (Manufacturing, Production, Oil & Gas, Alternative Energy)

● Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

2. Business and Financial

● Women in Banking & Finance (including Fintech)

● Women in Business

● Women in Innovation (Trend-Setters, Entrepreneurs, Trail-Blazers, Start-ups)

● Women in National Service (Military, Fire Service, Police)

3. Artistic and Creative

● Women in Art & Design (Fine artists and designers)

● Women in Fashion (Models, Designers & Retail)

● Women in Jewellery (Boutique Owners & Designers)

● Women in Entertainment (Dancers, Singers, Musicians & DJs)

4. Health, Social, & Hospitality

● Women in Health (Doctors, Dentists, Nurses & Admins)

● Women in Hospitality (Hotel GMs, Chefs, HR, Housekeeping, etc.)

● Women in Education (Primary/Early Education; Secondary & University/ Vocational)

● Women in Philanthropy (Charity & Welfare)

5. Lifestyle and Media

● Women in Beauty (Cosmetic Models, Makeup Artists & Aestheticians)

● Women in Media (TV hosts, Writers, Broadcasters, Influencers, Bloggers)

● Women in Motoring

● Women in Sport

What is the flow of events?

● We have started receiving nominations for each of the 20 award categories.

● Once the nomination deadline has passed, the Awards Review Committee (ARC) highlighted in the June edition of Woman This Month, along with Russell

Bedford Assure Audit, will select the top finalists in each category.

● The public can then vote for the finalist they endorse.

● This will be followed by a secondary audit by Russell Bedford Assure Audit.

● The winners will be announced at the Gala event on December 2.

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 sub-category 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.

How do I nominate?

Nominations can be made online via the official website, womanoftheyearawards. com. You can nominate yourself or others, and multiple nominations across different categories are allowed, but each must be submitted separately.

What is the nomination process?

● The nomination form is available on the website, and you must subscribe to the magazine to submit a nomination. You can nominate yourself or others and submit multiple nominations, but each must be submitted separately.

● The Awards Review Committee may change the award category of the nomination received based on their judgement.

● Nominations opened on June 9, 2024 and the deadline to submit nominations is July 31, 2024.

● The Awards Review Committee will be screening nominations and ranking the nominees to select the finalists in each award category.

How will information on nominees be collected?

● The preliminary source of information will be the nomination form, followed by publicly available information.

● Nominees will receive an email and a

phone call to explain their position on each of the nomination criteria.

What are the nomination criteria?

The following factors will be considered to judge the nominations received:

● Innovation and Impact: Degree of innovation and broader impact on industry, technology, society, or culture.

● Technical Skill and Expertise: Mastery of skills and expertise in their respective fields.

● Leadership and Collaboration: Leadership, collaboration, and mentoring efforts.

● Recognition and Awards: Professional recognition, awards, and contributions to industry or society.

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. The nomination and voting process will be closely monitored at every stage.

What is the role of the Awards Review Committee (ARC)?

The ARC is responsible for reviewing nominations, assessing candidates based on the established criteria, and ensuring the integrity and transparency of the selection process. The committee consists of industry experts and leaders in various fields.

. Scan to nominate!

or more details visit womanoftheyearawards.com or contact awardsinfo

THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF BALLET

Valerie Fourrier’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the importance of balancing one’s dreams with life’s practical demands. She tells Edwin D’Souza about her journey through ballet and diplomacy, and a life that’s been enriched by cultural experiences and unwavering dedication.

Valerie Fourrier’s journey into ballet began serendipitously at the tender age of five. Initially aspiring to be a cheerleader, she found her path redirected when her mother took her to a cheerleading school that only accepted children over 14. Disappointed but undeterred, their walk home led them past an opera house in France, where a poster advertised ballet classes for young children.

“I had no idea what ballet was,” she recalls. “But it quickly became a significant part of my life, with my parents often using it as motivation for good behaviour.”

Despite her passion for the art form, Valerie’s aspirations to become a professional ballerina were not fully realised due to her parents’ insistence on pursuing a more conventional career and encouragement to maintain it as a hobby instead. Reflecting on this, Valerie acknowledges: “I think they saved me from being in this very competitive world, as I am not someone who is very competitive. I also believe my physique might have presented limitations in a professional ballet career.”

Valerie’s professional life was demanding, having served as a Navy officer and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This career required her to travel extensively and work closely with high-level officials, leaving little time for ballet. Upon retiring from her diplomatic career in her forties, she immersed herself in ballet once again, attending classes daily. Other dance forms she explored include contemporary, jazz and neoclassical styles, but classical ballet remained her core passion. “It was in my DNA,” she says.

Her experience with dance in Bahrain has been limited, though she did participate in a music video shortly – a fun experience which she recalls fondly.

Yet, living in Bahrain has also significantly impacted Valerie, particularly through cultural experiences such as participating in International Dance Day. She cherishes these events, which she describes as “dreamlike” and appreciates the opportunity to present her book on ballet and discuss dance as a universal language. “Bahrain epitomises

tolerance and coexistence, values which I believe the world can learn from, and so I plan to write a book about the Kingdom to highlight these virtues,” she states.

Valerie now intends to focus on promoting ballet and its values, such as discipline and perseverance. She also mentors young dancers and recounts the experience of mentoring a 13-year-old girl whose body type didn’t fit the Paris Opera Ballet’s standards. “I helped her find schools in the US and Canada, eventually leading to her acceptance at the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York. I wish I could do more of that – help people and bring a new light to this dance form,” she says.

Looking forward, Valerie is eager to continue her projects, including publishing her third book and writing about Bahrain. She remains committed to her passion for ballet and encourages others to persist in their dreams. ‘Never give up on your dreams and always work hard. Even if things are hard, the reward will be greater,” she concludes.

What’s the most uplifting quote you have ever come across?

Friday brunch or latenight dinners?

Do you have any pets?

InHerShoes

This month we met with Kawthar Lanbari, the Director of Sales at Crowne Plaza Bahrain, an IHG Hotel. She is a woman who is inspired and inspires. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!