6 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Mariecris collects shopping vouchers worth BD25 from the team at Jawad Supermarket. letters STAR LETTER Your ‘Women of Influence’ feature on the topranking women of Standard Chartered last month was very encouraging and uplifting. Sometimes I hold myself back because I feel I can’t achieve the things that I want to but after reading the interview feature it made me realise that a lot of hard work and determination, along with patience, makes it all worthwhile. And I love the fact that these are strong-minded women who have not let any gender barriers come in the way of their success. Thank you WTM for focusing on these types of women. Marie I loved everything about November’s Woman This Month issue! The cover was fabulous and the contents were even more so. I have always been confused on how to pull off denim without conforming to the easy and generic T-shirt and trainers look. Now I can feel more feminine and understand how to accessorise and feel more ladylike with brightly coloured stilettos and handbags. I am also a new mum, hence the lack of fashion intelligence at the moment, therefore the baby milestone article really calmed my nerves as I can relate to it. I’m always on the lookout for helpful hints and tips from parents on parenting; now I know what signs WRITE IN AND WIN The star letter in the next issue will win a shopping voucher worth BD25 from Jawad Supermarket. To win this prize, send us your views on our December 2014 edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. The winner will be selected at random. Please sign off with your full name, CPR number and telephone number. to look out for with my baby’s development and who to contact. Jenni Fillet and kale salad is my family’s new favourite dish now thanks to WTM! Fresh, flavoursome and filling - just what you need for the perfect evening meal, especially as it’s quick to prepare! After reading this, I decided that this weekend is my weekend and I will be treating myself, for the first time in a long time. So I am going to march straight over to Charles & Keith and la Vie en Rose and buy all of those absolutely stunning coloured bags, belts and underwear! I love what you said, and I too want to remember that I am ‘first and foremost’ a lady! Thank you Woman This Month! Rojan I have always had thin, curved eyebrows, and throughout my life that was always in fashion. A quick pluck and you were done, no filling them in and especially no eyebrow tinting! However within the past couple of years, I have noticed eyebrows have gotten thicker. This is why I loved your piece, ‘Easy on the Eyes’ as I want to know what shape, shade and length my eyebrows should be and this is the perfect opportunity to find out! Katie Write Here Write Now 44 November 2014 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 45 November 2014 The number of women in senior roles in the banking industry is on the rise. Bahrain’s home-grown talent is getting local and global recognition. How can women further push the boundaries? We speak to high-ranking women of Standard Chartered Bank — Bahrain. WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PEOPLE | interview by GEORGIE BRADLEY It was announced last month that Shaikha Tareef was appointed the new chief financial officer of Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain. Not only is this a flagship role, it is the first time a Bahraini woman has filled it. What does it take for a woman to climb the career ladder in Bahrain? THE ROLE OF EDUCATION One of the foundations to a successful career is a solid educational background. The notion of education has been disputed within a gender context in the past, but it seems women are at the forefront now. The country head of financial crime compliance at the bank, Alaa Al Hamad, says that her family insisted on education because she is a woman. “I was raised to believe that education is the pillar for a good future. We were focused on this; my father made sure that my sisters and I had the best education,” Alaa says. Similarly, Nouf Al Suwaidi, senior relationship manager of human resources, was brought up to value education. “I think it has to do with the way our parents were brought up. Back then, women weren’t given the same opportunities as men. Perhaps they felt that opportunities would be handed to my brothers, which is why they put me in a private school,” Nouf adds. Noora Al Nusuf, country head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing, says, “I think it’s all about how families view the role of women. There was a discussion in the past about whether women are their own enemy. To a certain extent, we could be because it’s what we teach our kids. We can teach our sons to respect women and that the role of women is important. It all starts at home.” WEST VS MIDDLE EAST Having had experience in both the UK and Bahrain, Shaikha has never felt the effects of discrimination in either country. Gender equality has been on the agenda in the West for decades; the presence of female empowerment in Bahrain is catching up. “I have never been told that I can’t do something because I am a woman,” she says. “The government stresses on the empowerment of women. You’ll find seminars taking place to increase the participation of women in both public and private bodies.” Greek expatriate Zoe Karali, who is the country head of legal and compliance at Standard Chartered Bank, felt accepted immediately upon arrival eight years ago. “I had never lived in the Middle East, but I felt comfortable as soon as I got here. There are capable women in senior positions in local and international banks in Bahrain. Coming from Europe, this is something that needs to be promoted outside the region,” Zoe says. SUPPORT SYSTEM Throughout their journey to the top, Standard Chartered Bank has supported these women in accomplishing their goals. “One of the main pillars is diversity and inclusion at the bank. Sometimes women can be complacent, but if you really push for what you want, you can get it. The reaction I get from people about me working in this position is one of amazement because I am a woman in an international bank,” says Nouf. “It’s all about how professional and engaging you are. I don’t think gender matters. Since I started working here and throughout my career, people really appreciate how the bank has promoted women. They value the way the bank runs its activities and strategies for women,” adds Dalal Abdulla, head of distribution — head of branches. PASSING ON THE TORCH This inclusion of women doesn’t just speak to the ethics of Standard Chartered Bank. Both local and international banks in Bahrain embrace women taking a pioneering leap to the top. How can women improve their confidence and ability to do so? Would a mentoring programme suffice? “Mentoring is one thing; it’s formal. Stories of successful women help inspire women. When my promotion was announced, women were saying that it is great news and that they know they can be in such a position too. It shows that if you work hard, you can get these strong roles,” says Shaika. “The government mentors women through the Supreme Council for Women. They host activities and the annual competition for the Shaikha Sabeeka Award. The nomination process is so rigorous. It is taken very seriously,” adds Alaa. “I was reading about organisations that have a high percentage of women in senior positions and how they have better shareholder returns as a result. I was proud to read that. When shareholder value has something to do with it, you know women are doing it right,” says Zoe. PIECES OF ADVICE In order to launch yourself into a fruitful career, the women of Standard Chartered Bank put success down to flexibility, goals and patience. Dalal: “Always look forward. Set a goal beyond the goal.” Zoe: “You need to be patient. It took me 10 years to be head of a department, but I needed those 10 years. You can have a lot of knowledge and qualifications, but experience is what makes you step back and have a good view of everything you have acquired. Don’t rush. Take it step by step — it’s a process.” Shaikha: “You need to be flexible. During life there are lots of hurdles; be adaptable and take on change.” g Alaa Al Hamad Dalal Abdulla Zoe Karali Shaikha Tareef Nouf Al Suwaidi Noora Al Nusuf 24 November 2014 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 25 November 2014 FASHION | 10 tips Buying jeans, no matter what size or shape you are, can be a soul-destroying and exhausting mission. Here are 10 tricks to matching a pair to your preferred style. WEARING OUT YOUR DENIM BOOT UP Boot-cut jeans are not always the first choice, but they are great for making your legs seem slimmer and longer. Use tunic tops and slim-fitting cardigans to maintain a long silhouette. Experience the ease of being able to pull off any shoe type with them. A TIGHT FIT Dark, bright and bold — any shade of skinny jeans guarantees you will look fabulous. Try them with boots and a grandpa jumper for fashion (and comfort). You get brownie points for wearing these beauties with a feminine top, and small pointed-toe heels. THINK STRAIGHT The conservative denims are great with a simple blouse, a thick woolly scarf and small-heeled boots. If it is a nice warm day, roll these straight-cut trousers up to your ankles and replace the boots with thin, brightly coloured heels to jazz up any outfit. FADE AWAY Mixing hues of nude in tops, scarves and shoes, with leather accessories will make you the centre of attention everywhere you go. For a night out, opt for pumps and a well-tailored jacket. Don’t forget to roll up the hems. MUM’S THE WORD New and trendy mommy jeans suit cropped tops, vintage and statement jumpers, and flannel shirts. Use high fashion accessories and chucky belts to determine a girly and curvy look. LET HER RIP! Rock the ripped jeans with statement coats and lace-up ankle boots. For a more stylish effect, opt for floral shirts or tuck in thin, oversized button shirts. AT A STRETCH Jeggings scream comfort and haVE an incredible fit, giving you hundreds of options for any look. Whether you choose the preppy boyfriend shirt, an oversized jumper, or a plain top overloaded with jewellery, these jeans are a must-have for any wardrobe. IN PRINT Prints are great for a sassy look, and combined with a neutral top, eye-catching flats or heels and a statement bag, you are guaranteed to look fabulous for all occasions. This fierce look is perfect if you don’t like wearing too much jewellery. HIGH FLYER These jeans are the best for giving you curves in all the right places. With a solid-colour blouse, you can unleash your inner ‘70s girl. Have it tucked in, half-tucked in or hanging loose. BOY OH BOY! For a chic look, try baggy jeans with a fitted crop top or band tee. If you fancy an extremely casual look, don’t be afraid to pair them with a loose, oversized button-down shirt. Sandals or thin statement shoes always look fabulous. by HANNAH MOORE 1 5 3 9 7 2 4 6 8 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==