December 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 20 PEOPLE | interview DRIVING AMBITION WTM caught up with Martyna Al Qassab, founder of women’s motoring-inspired development event, Yalla Banat, to find out what inspired her and what’s next. Yalla Banat took place at Bahrain International Circuit with the theme Women in the Driver’s Seat. The event’s stated aim was ‘connecting, inspiring and empowering women across the Middle East. It's the brainchild of Martyna Al Qassab – a Polish national, who is married to a Bahraini and mum of two. As well as a motor show and panel discussion, it featured the largest women’s car parade in the world with more than 270 ladies driving on the track at Bahrain International Circuit. Following the success of Yalla Banat, there are several things planned for the future. Martyna explains: “I’ve been approached by institutions across the region to do similar events and we’re planning for Dubai and Saudi Arabia, hopefully in the first quarter of 2019. A lot of women’s car associations have also asked us to do things. The main attraction was the car parade but there were many smaller things going on that I want to highlight. “We partnered with NBB. In Bahrain 60 per cent of girls finish university. SMEs need a helping hand to get them into the workplace. At Yalla Banat Souq there was an SME engagement zone. I am still constantly referring people to those who took part and we will definitely elaborate on that with further events in the future. “I’ve also been meeting with leading universities because there is a great deal of potential there – I’m looking at plans for the first quarter of 2019 and talking to C5 nebula and WeGro about the potential for SME growth and the supply of the right people. “I want to establish a platform to connect people and link them with the right resources. I have a pretty large database of people and the bigger we get the more we can achieve. “It’s about bringing good vibes and getting the best out of people – there’s a thought to have a chain of industry-focused events – for example putting young women in touch with industry professionals such as law, engineering et cetera, so they can understand what’s out there in the career field and perhaps gain mentors. "In terms of arts, we are collaborating with various associations and have their support. This is something that will develop, for example, through staging auctions to support charity, offering artists a public platform while supporting good causes. There is a big scene here in Bahrain for established artists but there needs to be a platform for up and comers. Aysha Almoayyed, for example, who just had a show in France and also women we’re working with from the Royal University for Women. “It’s a really busy time. I’m also just doing my Master’s Degree, so every minute counts. I have great support from my husband, Ramzi, without him, I wouldn’t be able to do it. “At Yalla Banat we had a panel discussion but I didn’t want to have just women. We need the whole of society to be engaged. We need the whole society to get this done. There are so many amazing men out there too who will support and mentor women – one of them was my dad and another is my husband. “And, we already know that Yalla Banat will be happening again in October 2019 – it’s already got the green light from Shaikh Salman.” To read more about Martyna's Yalla Banat journey, including where the name came from visit www.womanthismonth.com
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