April 2015 www.womanthismonth.com 69 necessarily traditional women’s roles in Bahrain society. However, she sees it as an example of how things are changing. “Bahraini society has evolved and has also progressively empowered women in all facets of life,” she says. Accordingly, women here today have diverse roles as our society provides a platform to women to meet their ambitions, whilst also meeting the traditional roles of dutiful wife and daughter. I am happy that I am able to meet and fulfil both the societal norms and my ambitions.” As another string to her bow, Nancy works with the Bahrain-Japan Business & Friendship Society (BJBFS). Although not a founding member, since its inauguration she has assisted by heading BJBFS administration matters and has served on a voluntary basis ever since. The society was started to help strengthen bilateral ties between Bahrain and Japan, as the two countries have much in common including being archipelagos and depending on sea ports for trade. Furthermore, as Bahrain is a prominent hub in the Gulf region, many Japanese organisations have been encouraged to set-up their regional offices here benefiting from the regional location and at the same time, join the society as members. BJBFS encourages interaction with many prominent Bahraini and Japanese businessmen and this interaction, no doubt, enhances bilateral ties. “The Japanese people have impressive fortitude and are survivors,” Nancy says. “I have been privileged to travel as part of high-powered delegations, to help enhance bilateral relations. I have visited Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Hakone. Japan is a beautiful country and overall I enjoyed walking through the breath-taking cherry blossoms when they were in full bloom during my recent call as part of His Majesty’s historic visit to Japan during April 2012.” The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BJBFS and its counter-part The Japan-Bahrain Economic Co-operation Association (JBECA) in Tokyo, is another boost to the society. BJBFS is confident that this alliance will have mutual benefits in realising bilateral commercial, investment and cultural opportunities between the countries. Nancy says: “BJBFS looks forward to the formation of a Joint Business Council between Bahrain and Japan with the co-operation and support of The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which will enhance further co-operation between the two countries.” Keen to impart her wisdom to the Kingdom’s young women wishing to follow in her footsteps, she offers the following advice. “I have always been enthralled by successful personalities and leading figures, as each one respectively brings to the table a different merit; that way we are guided by an assortment of qualities that we can personally learn from to help achieve our own success in life. My advice to young Bahraini women would be to never be afraid of failure, for that is a step towards success.” g Signing the national unity agreement With Shura Council colleagues Receiving token of appreciation At a dinner with Shura Council
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