BTM August 2012 51 With ongoing challenges women face for gender equality around the world, one society strives for women’s empowerment in our region. This year sees the 12th anniversary of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS), an organisation originating from an idea by Sheikha Lulua Mohammed Al Khalifa, head of the Childcare and Maternity Society. Sixteen prominent Bahraini women brought this to life in 2000, making it the region’s first business association for women. The society’s objectives were simple, with one principle aim — the advancement of women in the Arab region. Strengthening of economic relations between businesswomen along with promoting and enhancing their role in business activities were all encompassed under the society’s plans. “Another initiative is to increase opportunities for Bahraini women; we do this by establishing high level training workshops and courses designed specifically for the female population,” says BBS head of public relations, Dr Hala Jamal. Through a combination of small steps and some giant leaps, Bahraini women today contribute to the economy like never before. Female lawyers, CEOs, business heads and political figures are making developments all over the country. In 2001, the society developed the Business Women’s Committee which serves as a permanent assembly in the country’s Chamber of Commerce. A few years later the BBS joined the Council of Arab Business Women where they went on to represent the Kingdom in many global conferences and international forums. The BBS started a project that gave them global recognition and the full support of her Royal Highness Sheikha Sabeeka Al Khalifa. Women Gateway is a non-profit website launched to create an online community to address women’s issues, reflect their views and promote their causes. The website, which has received three million viewers, now broadcasts in three languages, Arabic, English and French. The project also went on to win national and international awards. On a global scale, another major feat was the signing of a cooperation protocol between the BBS and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to build and support Bahraini entrepreneurs. “In cooperation with UNIDO along with the Organization of Economic Development in Paris, we are planning to hold workshops for entrepreneurs as well as SME business owners in the near future,” continues Hala. New courses With their recent 12-year anniversary under their belt, the BBS have more reason to celebrate this year during Ramadan, organising a special Ghabga on August 2. Also, look for new workshops the BBS aims to run in September on body language and leadership skills. E Call 17 721-188. Also this month 52 x Conference - 54 x Entrepreneur businessthismonth Engaging Ideas Hala Jamal, second from right,with fellow BBS committee members and His Majesty King Hamad Environmental enthusiasts can enroll on a course that highlights global environment problems and ways to overcome them. The Sustainable Development and Green Building training workshop, to be held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers from September 2-6, will help participants develop the principles and benefits of green building. The course will be headed by Wael Ali Kamel, professor at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. During the course you will learn about the ins and outs of green building including environmental laws, water efficiency, energy efficiency and site selection. E Call 17 727-100. Green and Aware
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