Woman This Month - October 2026

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 2 Stories of Strength This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Woman This Month shares the stories of women who have faced breast cancer and the realities of diagnosis and treatment. Their experiences are at the heart of our October feature, as we also look ahead to United in Pink and the next stage of the Woman of the Year Awards 2026.

3 STORIES OF STRENGTH womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 A breast cancer diagnosis can change the course of a life in a matter of moments. For the women featured in these pages, that moment came in different ways. Some discovered a lump unexpectedly, while others received the news following screening. What came next was equally individual, involving surgery, chemotherapy, difficult decisions and months of treatment. Their experiences underline why Breast Cancer Awareness Month remains important. Paying attention to changes in the body and seeking medical advice when something feels unusual can be crucial, while regular screening can help detect breast cancer early. The awareness material shared with WTM similarly highlights mammography and early detection as important parts of breast health. The realities of breast cancer extend well beyond diagnosis. Throughout this feature, women from Bahrain’s diverse community speak about fear, physical changes, demanding treatment and the people who supported them through it. They also reflect on returning to everyday life and how the experience changed the way they saw themselves, their relationships and their futures. The conversation continues on October 24 with United in Pink, held in association with the Capital Governorate at Water Garden City from 5pm to 8pm. The community event will bring together healthcare organisations, businesses, community groups, diplomats, families and residents in support of breast cancer awareness. Health and education will form an important part of the evening. AMH will provide basic health checks, while the Bahrain Oncology Center will host an information desk offering breast cancer awareness, prevention and support information. Jetour will also display a pink-wrapped car for visitors to sign, pledging BD1 for every signature towards breast cancer awareness initiatives. Live art, women’s activities hosted by Sportsista, a Little Trader exhibition, a Harley-Davidson pink bike display, children’s activities, entertainment, games and raffles will bring the wider community together throughout the evening. The women sharing their experiences in these pages are also a reminder of the many forms strength can take. That spirit of recognising women continues as the Woman of the Year Awards 2026 enters its next stage. With nominations now closed, our all-female jury is reviewing the entries to select the top three finalists in each category. On November 1, we will reveal the finalists and open voting to the public, taking us another step closer to the Grand Finale on December 2. Ultimately, Stories of Strength belongs to the women who have chosen to speak. Each story is different, but sharing them gives others the chance to recognise a symptom, start a conversation, seek support or simply feel less alone. This October, their voices lead the way.

bahrainthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 INTERVIEW 1

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 5 STORIES OF STRENGTH Bharati Choosing Myself Bahrain-based entrepreneur Bharati Rakesh, founder of Mumbai Fusion, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 after discovering a lump. Here, she reflects on the year that followed and how it redefined the way she saw herself. I remember running out of shower gel that morning and using soap instead. While bathing, I felt a hard, rock-like lump in my breast. I had no other symptoms. I arranged the tests immediately. When the biopsy confirmed breast cancer, the news took a moment to sink in. My husband and I went to the car park, where we held each other and cried without saying a word. The next morning, I told God, “I am ready for the challenge, as long as you take care of everything behind the scenes.” Soon, I left my husband and 13-year-old son in Bahrain and travelled alone to my hometown of Mumbai for treatment. The next 365 days brought tests and doctor visits, 16 chemotherapy cycles, two surgeries and 12 fractions of radiotherapy. At 37, I had never imagined going through cancer treatment. Yet I never asked, “Why me?” The first four chemotherapy cycles were difficult, reducing my mobility until I sometimes felt decades older than I was. Having always been fiercely independent, I struggled to rely on others. After my fourth chemotherapy cycle, I returned to Bahrain for two weeks with my husband and son before leaving again for Mumbai. Back in Mumbai, I felt I had to choose between certain relationships and my self-respect. For the first time in my life, I chose myself. I knew I needed to heal emotionally as well as physically if I was to return to my son as the mother I wanted to be. I left my parents’ home without knowing where I would stay. A family friend offered me a home until treatment was complete, caring for me with a generosity I will always remember. Another 12 chemotherapy cycles followed. Even losing my hair did not bring the tears I had expected. Instead, I was surprised by how much I could withstand. Throughout it all, my husband was the star of my life. While I was in Mumbai, he managed my business, looked after our son and home, continued with his full-time job and travelled to see me whenever he could. My son made me equally proud. He was only 13, yet he handled my absence with remarkable maturity. Every day, he sent messages to check on me and remind me to take care of myself. By the end of that year, the independence I had valued meant something different. I had learnt that accepting help did not make me any less independent, and that sometimes choosing myself was necessary. Please get yourself checked periodically and act when something does not feel right. I found my lump by chance and acted immediately. That decision gave me the opportunity to receive the treatment I needed and return to the people I had spent a year missing.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 6 Finding a Way STORIES OF STRENGTH When Budoor Alansari discovered a lump in her breast one ordinary morning, she refused to ignore it. Through diagnosis, treatment and the difficult return to everyday life, she found strength in her family, faith and the belief that even the hardest moments would pass. It began on an ordinary morning. I was up early for my usual routine of prayer, reading and exercise when, while getting ready for work, I noticed a lump in my left breast. I had never felt it before. At first, I told myself I was imagining it and went to work. Throughout the morning, however, I kept checking and the lump was still there, unchanged. I left work and went straight to find a doctor. Two private hospitals told me there were no appointments available, but I did not give up. I went to the health centre near my home, where a doctor examined me and immediately referred me to specialists. My feelings in the days that followed were mixed, but I chose to wait for the results rather than let my mind race ahead. I told only one person: my husband, who became my greatest source of support throughout the experience. When the diagnosis came, it was my doctor’s approach that softened the blow. Instead of saying the tumour was “malignant”, she told me it was “not benign”. She patiently explained that cancer is no longer as frightening as it once was and that medicine has changed. Her words made the shock much easier to accept. The hardest decision was how to tell my children, Ali, who was 16, and Amina, who was 13. I borrowed my doctor’s approach, using reassuring words, hope and a touch of humour. “Which one of you is going to shave my head?” I asked them. “You’ll just have to put up with me bald for a while!” Their greatest fear was that I might die. Once I explained what was happening, some of that fear lifted. In the end, it was Amina who shaved my head. For two days, I could not bring myself to take off my cap, even at home. Then I made a decision. This phase was going to last a while, and I had to accept it, as did everyone else. It was not permanent. It would pass. Treatment was hard, but not in the way people might imagine. The main side effect was a deep, general fatigue that made keeping up with my usual routine difficult. With my immunity low, I turned to hobbies I could enjoy at home. I learned to knit and took up gardening, which I still enjoy today. The end of chemotherapy, the toughest stage of my treatment, is a day I will never forget. I cannot put into words how it felt to ring that bell. Budoor Surgery, radiation and medication followed. Today, two years after my last chemotherapy session, I can barely remember the pain I lived through. I will be honest: returning to normal life has been one of the hardest parts. My body and mind still feel tired at times. Step by step, however, I am finding my way back, carried by faith, positivity and hope. I believe anyone going through this illness should look for the blessings God gives them. Even in difficult times, there are blessings to be found. I hold on to the Quranic verse: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” With every trial, I believe, ease comes doubled. To anyone walking this road right now, my message is simple: every bitter moment will pass.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 7 STORIES OF STRENGTH Hind Through the Fear For Hind Sunny, a worrying change she noticed months before her scheduled mammogram marked the beginning of the most difficult period of her life. I had made sure to have a mammogram every year since the age of 42. In 2024, my screening was scheduled for September, but in May, I felt an uncomfortable sensation in my breast. I went to my doctor, who reassured me that everything was fine and advised me to have an ultrasound for further reassurance. The results were clear, so I went on a long trip. While travelling, I noticed a slight indentation in my right breast. A few days later, in July, I felt a large lump under my armpit. I panicked, but I did not dare see a doctor because I did not want to worry my family while they were enjoying their summer holiday. I spent days frightened and unable to sleep until I returned to Bahrain. I immediately went to my doctor, who appeared concerned and referred me for tests and a biopsy. Nothing showed up in the breast, but the result of the biopsy under my armpit was shocking: cancer. I consulted another doctor and underwent further tests, which confirmed that I had breast cancer. I was quickly referred to the Royal Medical Services Oncology Centre, where I began the most difficult period of my life. I was emotionally devastated and haunted by the fear of death. I kept thinking about my four children: Who would I leave them with? Why me? I lost a great deal of weight and was unable to sleep or eat. Eventually, my oncologist referred me to a psychiatrist to help me cope with the shock. But by the grace of God, and with the support of the doctors, nurses and my beloved family, everything changed. I began treatment filled with fear, but gradually found hope and strength. Eventually, I reached a point where I could go into treatment feeling positive and confident that I was capable of overcoming the disease. I went through many stages of treatment, including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, the removal of the tumour under my armpit, reconstruction, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. I also had my ovaries removed because of the hereditary nature of the disease. Alongside these treatments, psychological therapy played an important role in helping me regain my emotional balance and confidence in myself. Today, I can proudly say: I defeated cancer, but I did not defeat it alone. God was with me. The doctors, medical team and my family also supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to them all, with particular thanks to the Royal Medical Services Oncology Centre for the comprehensive and compassionate care I received. I emerged from this experience stronger than before and with greater faith in life. I realised that hope can be born even in the darkest moments.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 8 Through It All STORIES OF STRENGTH A breast cancer diagnosis forced entrepreneur and trainer Naseem Abdullatif into a reality she had never anticipated. Speaking openly about treatment connected her with other women facing uncertainty and revealed a new purpose. When I heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” everything inside me seemed to stop. I was a mother, entrepreneur and trainer, accustomed to taking care of others. Suddenly, I was facing tests, chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and uncertainty. One question overwhelmed everything else: “What happens now?” Cancer taught me that strength does not always look the way we imagine. Sometimes, it is getting out of bed when exhausted. Sometimes, it is admitting that you are scared. On other days, it is showing up for another treatment when you wish this chapter were already over. Early on, I decided to speak openly about my experience. I shared the difficult days alongside the good ones, from chemotherapy and hair loss to surgery, recovery and the emotional changes behind it all. I did not want to present cancer as a beautiful journey. It isn’t. But I did not want fear to be the only story told about it either. Women began contacting me. Some had just been diagnosed, while others were waiting for results or undergoing treatment. Often, what they needed most was someone who could say, “I understand.” That was when my experience began to reach beyond me. The words We Will Get Through This became meaningful. Cancer taught me that you do not have to see the whole road to keep moving. Sometimes, you only need enough strength for the next appointment, treatment or the next day. That inspired me to create the We Will Get Through This support initiative and write We Will Get Through This – Your Guide to the First Chemotherapy Session. I wrote it for the person who has just heard the word “chemotherapy”, searching for answers and wondering what lies ahead. It combines practical guidance with reassurance from someone who has sat in that treatment chair. My dream is to make the book available free to cancer patients. I am seeking a sponsor or organisation to support its printing and distribution so it can reach more people. For me, this is not a commercial project. It is my way of turning one of the most difficult periods of my life into something that might make the Naseem road ahead less frightening for someone else. Having completed chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, I understand that recovery brings challenges of its own. Healing takes time, physically and emotionally. Cancer changed many things about me. Most importantly, it changed what strength means to me. Strength is not about never falling apart. It is knowing that you can fall apart, gather yourself again and continue. To anyone beginning this journey, you do not need to be brave every day or have all the answers. Take it one step at a time and remember: your diagnosis is something you are going through. It is not who you are.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 9 Patrícia Dancing with Shadows STORIES OF STRENGTH Bahrain-based Brazilian writer Patrícia Matos de Farias was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2024. Her book Cerzideira: Stitching with Threads of Memory includes a chapter titled Attraversiamo, dedicated to this journey. On a Friday morning, in the throes of heavy traffic, I answered a phone call that changed my life. For about a year, I had noticed a change in the size of one breast. I thought it could have been a symptom of perimenopause or a hormonal change. My doctor’s voice cut through the noise, delivering the results of my latest check-up: “It’s breast cancer, but you’re going to be okay.” He kept talking, but his voice felt far away. The diagnosis sounded like a death sentence at the time. I underwent a mastectomy first. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy followed in the months that came. As the seasons changed, I searched for myself in the mirror. I watched my hair disappear, my skin tone change and my body buckle in the face of relentless nausea and persistent aches. Something shifted, however, when I began to open myself up to the stories of other women living with cancer. These women inspired me to recognise that while I remained terrified, my will to survive was stronger still. I decided to court my diagnosis over tea. I remember talking to those sick cells often, sometimes at length. I told them it was either them or me, and that I was not willing to back down without a fight. When my chemotherapy came to an end, an opportunity emerged for my family to move from Brazil to Bahrain. That December, I arrived in the Kingdom with a renewed sense of grit. I resolved to trust that life would be good to me. I would stand firm on the sand. I would dance in tandem with my shadows. My preventive treatment is still ongoing and so are my conversations with the disease that flipped my life on its head. Writing has allowed me to reckon with what I have lived through. It only felt natural, then, to dedicate a chapter of my book to this journey. I named it Attraversiamo, an Italian word meaning “let’s cross over”, in recognition of the transformations that can find us when we least expect them. My hope is to remind other women that as long as they hold on to their faith and remain fierce in the face of what lies ahead, they have the strength to overcome even the darkest moments. Today, I can recognise how profoundly my experience has transformed me: I move through life with greater lightness and maturity, able to comprehend the weight of the little things that most of us take for granted. My hair is long again. I look in the mirror and find myself once more. I am not the same woman who answered that phone call on a Friday morning. And I cannot help but like the woman I became along the way. Patricia

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 10 Faith Through It All STORIES OF STRENGTH Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, Salwa Mohammed Anwer faced heart complications and underwent rigorous treatment before being declared cancer-free. Five years later, the cancer returned. The teacher shares how her family, her work and, above all, her faith have given her the strength to fight on. My life changed when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Just as I was beginning to process it, I developed heart issues. By October that year, I was fitted with a pacemaker. In April 2021, I underwent a lumpectomy and was placed on hormone therapy. Managing treatment and appointments was not easy physically, emotionally or spiritually, but I resolved not to lose hope. I have three adult children and their support gave me purpose. Even when I felt weak, they reminded me that my life extended beyond my illness. I knew I had to keep going for them. My husband has been by my side throughout. He is not only my husband but also my friend, and I can discuss my fears, questions, worries and hopes with him. He listened and supported me. After my lumpectomy, I received the news I had been waiting for: I was cancer-free. The cancer returned, however, in December 2025. I have always considered myself a strong person, but the recurrence affected me in a way I had not expected. Alongside the fear came the difficulty of facing cancer again after believing that chapter was behind me. I underwent another operation, this time a partial mastectomy. Afterwards, I struggled to find the will to keep going. My faith became particularly important during this time. I tried to remain positive while acknowledging how difficult the experience was. I placed my life in the hands of Allah, the Merciful, and trusted that whatever happened next would be part of a greater plan. My work gave me something positive to focus on. I am a teacher by profession and approach my job with dedication. Working reminded me that I still had an important role beyond being a cancer patient. My family remained my pillar through periods of negative thinking. Their love encouraged me to keep moving forward when my emotions became overwhelming. I have learnt that healing involves dealing with the emotional impact of cancer alongside its physical effects. There are nights when I feel emotional and moments when I feel alone. At those times, I remind myself that God is with us, even when we feel at our weakest. If I could speak to anyone going through cancer, I would tell them to trust in God and try to hold on to hope, even when it is difficult. Some days will feel heavy and some nights will be emotional. Be gentle with yourself, spread positivity through kindness, cling to your faith and keep moving forward. Cancer has brought fear and uncertainty into my life, but my family, my work and my faith continue to give me the fortitude to face what comes next. Salwa

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 11 Holding Us Up STORIES OF STRENGTH When Viji Velayudhan’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, was diagnosed with Stage II triple-negative breast cancer in 2023, their family faced a frightening new reality. Here, Ms. Velayudhan reflects on standing by her mother through eight arduous months of treatment and how the experience transformed her as a person. I still remember the terror that took hold when we first heard the diagnosis. As her daughters, my sister and I struggled with the thought of what our mother was about to endure. In our fear, however, we had underestimated our mother’s tenacity. Her treatment lasted around eight months and included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The days surrounding her surgery were excruciating, while chemotherapy brought its own ordeals. There were times when she was utterly drained, but even in her own turmoil, she still tried to shield us from the worst of it. She never once let us see her lose hope. My sister and I could not take away what our mother was going through, but we tried to make sure she never faced it alone. We stayed close on the difficult days, encouraged her when exhaustion set in and did whatever we could to lift her spirits. Sometimes that meant talking and laughing together. Other times, it meant simply sitting beside her. We learnt that being there did not always require words. The determination my mother showed during that period deepened my admiration for her in ways that are difficult to put into words. Even on her hardest days, she kept going. Watching her taught me that true courage means grappling with fear, yet finding the strength to push through anyway. What we lived through changed me as a daughter. I came to truly understand just how precious even ordinary moments with our parents can be. Each conversation, meal or shared car ride began to feel like a gift I could no longer take for granted. Even the moments we spent in silence, simply existing alongside each other, carried greater weight. Today, I am immensely grateful to say that my mother is cancer-free. I still get teary-eyed when I think back on everything she endured. She Viji attacked each stage of her treatment with ferocity while somehow remaining our source of strength through it all. I am so incredibly proud of her. I cannot emphasise that enough. For my sister and me, what our mother endured became about more than the disease itself. It reaffirmed the depth of the bond we share with her and taught us first-hand what it truly means to stand beside someone you love through the hardest period of their life. My mother will always be proof to me of just how much a person can endure and still come through with their spirit intact. As her daughter, I hope that sharing her story offers some strength to another woman or family facing the same uncertainty. In her own words: “Be strong and face the situation. Never give up. It is a new start to life.”

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 12 Still Me STORIES OF STRENGTH Zainab Abudeeb’s breast cancer diagnosis challenged the very fabric of the life she had always known. She shares how she held on to herself through an experience that tested her in ways she could never have anticipated. Hearing the word “cancer” made everything around me feel different. At that moment, my life seemed to divide into “before” and “after”. I had so many questions and so much fear. I did not know how strong I could be until I had no choice but to keep going. I underwent surgery first, followed by chemotherapy. There were days when I was exhausted before the day had even begun. I lost my hair, my energy and, at times, my appetite, along with many things I had once taken for granted. My body changed. My face changed. Sometimes, I would look in the mirror and not recognise the woman looking back at me. But I kept reminding myself: I am still Zainab. I did not want cancer to become my whole identity. I was still a mother, a wife, a daughter, a working woman and someone with dreams and plans. During treatment, I tried to continue with my life as much as I could. I worked, created content, kept up with my children, laughed when I could and cried when I needed to. I kept telling myself that this chapter would not last forever. After chemotherapy came radiotherapy. By then, I was tired, but I knew I was getting closer to the finish line. Completing radiotherapy and ringing the bell was one of the most emotional moments for me. For me, that bell carried every difficult morning, every hospital visit, every tear and every prayer, along with the moments when I thought I could not continue but somehow did. Even after the main treatment finished, my experience with cancer did not end. I continued with hormonal and targeted treatment. Some days still bring fatigue, hot flushes, joint pain and mood changes. At times, I feel as though my body has aged faster than I have. Recovery is not always a straight line, and I am still learning to live in this new version of my body. Cancer changed me. I became calmer and began judging people less because I learnt that anyone could be carrying a struggle we cannot see. I stopped expecting everything to go according to plan. Zainab Sometimes, life changes the plan completely and we have to learn to walk a different road. Today, I do not want cancer to define me. It is part of my story, but it is not the whole story. My message to every woman going through a difficult chapter is this: it does not define who you are. Take life one day at a time and be gentle with yourself. Keep your faith strong, keep your eyes on the finish line and take care of yourself, not only for the people you love but because you deserve that love and care too.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 OPINION 14 If you’re a woman in your mid-thirties and beyond, you’ve probably noticed that life doesn’t just move faster. Your body can feel different too. One month you’re sleeping fine; the next, your focus feels off. You may start forgetting words more often, losing your train of thought or struggling to concentrate the way you used to. For many women, these changes show up as hormone levels shift during perimenopause, menopause and the years that follow. This is also the stage of life when it becomes easy to shrug symptoms off. Maybe it’s stress. Maybe it’s just getting older. Maybe it’s “normal”. But “normal” doesn’t have to mean “ignored”. Your brain is part of your health, not separate from it. Cognitive changes can be influenced by many factors, including sleep disruption, stress, blood sugar swings and hormonal fluctuations. When menopause brings hot flushes or night sweats, sleep quality may suffer. When your sleep is repeatedly interrupted, your brain struggles to stay sharp. That’s why cognitive health deserves attention in the same practical way you think about heart health, bone health or cancer screening. A cognitive assessment is not about assuming something is wrong. It’s about understanding what’s happening early. Sometimes, what feels scary is simply a pattern that can be addressed. At other times, early evaluation can uncover a treatable cause. Either way, a thoughtful check can help you feel more confident about your health decisions, and that matters. Now let’s connect this to breast cancer awareness because midlife is also when prevention becomes especially important. Breast cancer risk increases with age and early detection can make a real difference to treatment options and outcomes. Screening helps find changes before symptoms appear. When breast cancer is detected early, the goal is often to treat it more effectively and with less disruption to your life. These two priorities, cognitive health and breast cancer screening, might sound unrelated at first, but they share the same mindset. Both are about prevention, early action and not waiting until something becomes serious. Think of it as caring for yourself as a whole, rather than in parts. So, what does “whole-body and whole-brain” care look like? It can mean planning your next steps with your healthcare provider, keeping up with breast cancer screening recommendations based on your age and personal risk factors and asking for support if you notice ongoing cognitive changes. If you’re experiencing persistent brain fog, memory concerns or difficulty concentrating, consider discussing a cognitive assessment rather than forcing yourself to “push through” indefinitely. Let’s talk about brain food too, because everyday choices really do add up. Brain health is supported by a diet that emphasises whole foods. Eat more colourful vegetables, berries, beans and leafy greens. Include healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds. If you can, include omega-3-rich foods such as salmon a few times a week or consider plant-based options if that works for you. Regular meals and good hydration also help because even mild dehydration and unstable energy levels can affect focus. While nutrition matters, movement and sleep matter just as much. Gentle exercise, strength training and time outdoors can support circulation and help manage stress. Better sleep helps your brain process and recover. Midlife doesn’t have to mean losing control of your health. It can mean gaining clarity and taking action. Cognitive assessment and breast cancer screening are both ways of saying: “I am worth the care now, not later.” If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, or if you simply feel your brain changing, consider this your reminder to check in, get answers and stay proactive. Your mind and your health deserve that. Fifi Kiwan, Founder & CEO of Brain Wave, is a Behaviour Consultant and Certified ADHD Coach with 18 years’ experience supporting communication, behaviour and cognitive development for families and professionals. Cognitive Health, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Early Detection for Women in Midlife The Midlife Health Check

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 INTERVIEW 15 Understanding Derma Pen Fit, Fresh & Fabulous For someone hearing about Derma Pen for the first time, what exactly is it and how does it work? Derma Pen is a microneedling device that uses very fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which can improve skin texture, firmness and overall appearance. What skin concerns can Derma Pen effectively help with? It can be used for several concerns, particularly acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, fine lines and overall dullness. It can also help improve the appearance of some types of pigmentation, but the treatment needs to be carefully tailored, especially for darker skin types. How is Derma Pen different from traditional microneedling? Derma Pen is actually a form of microneedling. The advantage of a pen-style device is that we can precisely control the needle depth and treatment intensity according to the area being treated and the patient’s skin. This allows us to customise the treatment rather than using the same approach for everyone. Is the treatment painful and what can someone expect during and immediately afterwards? Most patients tolerate it very well. We usually apply a topical numbing cream beforehand to make the treatment more comfortable. During the procedure, patients may feel some pressure or a mild prickling sensation. Afterwards, the skin can look red and feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually settles over the next couple of days. How many sessions are typically recommended and when do patients notice results? It depends on the skin concern and its severity. Generally, a course of around three to six sessions may be recommended, with several weeks between treatments. Some patients notice a fresher texture quite early, but collagen remodelling takes time, so the improvement continues gradually over the following weeks and months. Who is a good candidate and when would you not recommend it? It’s suitable for many people who want to improve skin texture, acne scars, fine lines or overall skin quality. However, we would avoid or postpone treatment in situations such as an active skin infection, significant active inflammatory acne or certain skin conditions. That’s why a proper dermatological assessment before treatment is important. What are the biggest aftercare dos and don’ts? The most important things are gentle skincare, good moisturisation and strict sun protection. I would avoid direct sun exposure, swimming, excessive heat and strenuous exercise for a short period. Irritating active ingredients such From acne scars to uneven texture, Derma Pen offers a tailored approach to skin renewal. American Mission Hospital’s Dr. Maryam Khalid Alnajem explains the treatment, expected results and essential aftercare. as retinoids and strong acids should also be avoided until the skin has recovered. Make-up should be avoided immediately after treatment and resumed according to the clinician’s advice.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 LIFESTYLE 16 Where Beauty Meets Well-Being When we think of manicures and pedicures, we often associate them with colourful nail polish and perfectly shaped nails. While these familiar rituals have long been part of our beauty routines, the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers a different perspective, placing the health and wellbeing of hands and feet at the heart of the experience. Rather than viewing a manicure or pedicure simply as a beauty treatment, the studio takes a more holistic approach to hand and foot care. Through specialised techniques, professional equipment and Bastien Gonzalez’s signature approach, treatments are designed to reveal the natural beauty of the skin and nails while encouraging relaxation and renewal. The philosophy is simple: beautiful hands and feet begin with proper care. The experience goes beyond the application of polish, focusing on the condition of the skin and nails, as well as comfort and wellbeing. Gentle exfoliation, expert nail care and revitalising techniques leave hands and feet feeling smooth, refreshed and beautifully groomed. The approach also encourages guests to make hand and foot care part of their regular self-care routine. Feet, in particular, carry us throughout the day yet are often overlooked. Giving them dedicated attention offers a chance to pause, restore and reconnect with a sense of wellbeing. Set within The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bahrain, the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio offers a serene environment that combines specialised care with a refined spa setting. Whether enjoyed as part of a longer wellness ritual or as a treatment in its own right, each service is designed to leave guests feeling renewed. On Mondays, guests booking a 60-minute pedicure can choose a complimentary paraffin treatment or nail polish application. The studio also offers a complete foot-care ritual throughout the week. Guests booking a Bastien Pedicure for BD55 can enjoy a complimentary foot and leg massage, adding another moment of relaxation to the treatment.

17 LIFESTYLE womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 This balance of specialised care and relaxation distinguishes the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. The experience considers both how hands and feet look and how they feel after treatment: cared for, refreshed and renewed. An hour devoted to hand and foot care offers guests an opportunity to slow down, disconnect from the demands of the day and enjoy a moment entirely for themselves. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bahrain, the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez brings together beauty, expertise and wellbeing in an approach that gives familiar treatments a restorative dimension. The Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bahrain is open daily from 10am–8pm. 1758 6808 [email protected] For reservations and enquiries: ritzcarltonbahrain Kismet by Milka and Strong Saar Bring Fashion and Fitness Together Kismet by Milka, Bahrain Jewellery Centre and Strong Saar came together for a special event combining fashion and fitness. Guests gathered for a morning centred around movement, style and self-expression.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 INTERVIEW 18 Style Without Borders Bahrain has always had the world woven into its fabric. So why not let our wardrobes reflect that global spirit? This Autumn, we swap souvenirs for style inspiration as WTM pays homage to the dynamic fashion scenes of eight cities across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Consider this your fashion passport for the season. Shanghai, China Colour Rush Shanghai Fashion Week turned up the saturation. Candy pink and vivid red swept through collections by Susan Fang, Shuting Qiu and 8ON8, while expressive textures and confident silhouettes signalled a move towards something bolder. That boldness reflects Shanghai’s contemporary fashion scene. Chinese references meet modern design language. Shuting Qiu incorporated silks from her native Hangzhou, while Samuel Guì Yang approaches Chinese identity through a contemporary lens. Rather than relying on familiar motifs, these designers find contemporary expressions for their heritage. Bring it to Bahrain: Let colour travel. A cherry-red dress, vivid pink tailoring or saturated accessory can bring Shanghai’s energy into a Bahrain wardrobe without reproducing culturally specific design elements. Mumbai, India Woven Air Rahul Mishra gave autumn an unexpectedly light touch as AFEW opened Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai. His White Gold collection returned to cotton and handloom, including a fine cotton-silk blend developed with Chanderi master weaver Hukum Kohli. Sari-inspired drapes met structured forms as translucent Chanderi created movement without weight. The fabric carries a story of its own. Chanderi weaving has centuriesold Indian roots, while cotton has long been central to its textile traditions. For Mr. Mishra, it also marked a return to the handloom and cotton of his early career two decades ago. Bring it to Bahrain: Let fabric create the impact. Look for movement and craftsmanship. Fine cotton-silk and translucent layers offer autumn richness without winter weight. Tokyo, Japan Shape Shifters Tokyo is playing with the shape of clothes. Pillings stretched knits over crinolines, shifted shoulders forwards and buttoned cardigans asymmetrically. Fetico cinched waists and sculpted leather into precise feminine forms. Silhouette experimentation has deep roots in Japanese fashion. Japanese designers have long challenged conventional proportion and beauty, and that spirit continues through a new generation. At Pillings, designer Ryota Murakami deliberately finds beauty in awkwardness and imperfection, while Fetico’s Emi Funayama uses construction to reconsider how femininity can be expressed. Bring it to Bahrain: An exaggerated sleeve, sculptural peplum or asymmetric top can deliver the idea in lighter fabrics better suited to the Kingdom. Bangkok, Thailand Sport Meets Luxury Bangkok brings an adventurous edge to polished dressing. SIRIVANNAVARI mixed technical nylon, sport-infused bombers and windbreakers with fluid dresses. Mountaineering-inspired drawstrings and hooks transformed function into decoration, while volume softened the technical edge. The experimentation is grounded in Thai textile heritage. Koh Kerd silk brocade from Ayutthaya Province was reworked alongside technical materials, while artisans from the SIRIVANNAVARI Atelier & Academy contributed intricate embroidery. Bring it to Bahrain: Make contrast the styling trick. Try a lightweight utility jacket over something fluid or add a drawstring or buckle to polished separates.

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 INTERVIEW 19 Lagos, Nigeria Tactile Fashion Lagos is putting material centre stage. Woven Threads, Lagos Fashion Week’s responsiblefashion platform, took CRAFTED as its 2026 theme, focusing on contemporary craft, material innovation and locally rooted making. Pettre Taylor incorporated dyed textiles, knit structures, crochet and patchwork, while Éki Kéré made raffia and textured surfaces central. Éki Kéré’s raffia draws from founder Abasiekeme Ukanireh’s home city, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom, widely associated with the craft. The brand works with artisans using traditional weaving methods, bringing established material knowledge into contemporary fashion. Woven Threads extends that principle across its programme, treating craft as a living part of African fashion rather than simply a reference to the past. Bring it to Bahrain: Make texture the focus. A woven handbag or hand-worked textile can bring depth to an otherwise streamlined outfit without adding heavy layers. Tbilisi, Georgia Architectural Edge Tbilisi’s 2026 return to the international fashion calendar brought sharp construction into focus. Tamuna Ingorokva paired architectural tailoring and structured silhouettes with leather, jacquard and bouclé. Tatuna explored geometric volumes and pattern cutting, while Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili deconstructed classic tailoring and worked with materials including vegan leather. That technical approach shapes Tbilisi’s contemporary fashion identity. Independent labels are recognised for experimental cut and construction, with much of their work connected to local ateliers. Tatuna produces garments by hand in its Tbilisi atelier, making pattern cutting and construction central to its look and process. Bring it to Bahrain: Seek structure without bulk. An angular blazer, asymmetric hem or sharply cut dress can bring Tbilisi’s architectural sensibility into warmer weather. Seoul, South Korea Undone Knits Seoul Fashion Week unravelled one of autumn’s most familiar staples. At Caruso, Adlielos and Mmam, knitwear appeared partially laddered and almost threadbare, with some sweaters deconstructed until barely recognisable. Loose threads and unfinished surfaces became deliberate design features. The look fits Seoul’s fashion culture, where polished dressing meets experimentation and street influence. Bring it to Bahrain: Lose the heavy wool but keep the undone effect. Try an open-knit top or lightweight distressed knit over a simple base, letting gaps and loosened construction become the detail. Mexico City, Mexico New Western Mexico’s vaquero wardrobe is riding into 2026 with renewed relevance. Montserrat Messeguer’s Mujer Caballo reworked denim, leather and her signature cowboy boots through barrel racing. Shot at a ranch in Mexico’s Bajío region, it looked to female riders within a traditionally male equestrian culture. For Ms. Messeguer, the Western connection is distinctly Mexican. Her work draws on northern Mexico’s vaquero traditions, working with Mexican artisans to preserve techniques including piteado. In Mujer Caballo, the belt buckles belonged to the riders, won through competition, while denim connected it to Mexico’s textile industry. Reclaiming Mexico’s place in cowboy history is central to her brand. Bring it to Bahrain: Take one code, not the full uniform. Cinch a flowing dress with a substantial leather belt or pair cowboy boots with a midi skirt. The idea is to borrow the strength of the silhouette while letting its Mexican roots remain visible.

is not wrong. Ambition should be encouraged. However, access must be matched by preparation. Before asking for the platform, we should ask ourselves: What have I learned? What have I delivered? What perspective can I contribute? Takeaway Leaders carry responsibility. We should not keep emerging talent hidden until it is supposedly perfect. People need opportunities to learn, take controlled risks and build confidence. Our role is to create a runway: provide education, create opportunities for meaningful experience, offer honest feedback and then widen exposure as capability grows. At the same time, these opportunities should not remove their responsibility to demonstrate respect. Inappropriate behaviour should not be tolerated. Declining meetings repeatedly without explanation, using phones while colleagues are speaking, responding dismissively or demanding advancement without effort are not expressions of generational identity. They are professional behaviours that must be addressed. My advice to all ambitious young people: build your life on Education, Experience and Exposure. Protect yourself from Ego, Entitlement and Exposure without substance. Learn before you lead. Deliver before you demand recognition. Build the substance before pursuing the spotlight. Exposure may open the door, but only substance will keep you in the room. The Triple E: The Attractors and Distractors of Success A meeting invitation is declined with no explanation, excuse or apology. It happens again, and then again. Who did it? Different employees from the same generation: Gen Z. During a management meeting, a Gen Z employee remains absorbed in a mobile phone while important decisions are being discussed. In a group conversation, another responds: “Who cares?” while a senior manager explains his department’s achievements. A young employee expects a promotion before demonstrating consistent effort or seeks exposure to senior leadership before developing the substance needed to contribute at that level. These examples are uncomfortable, but they are real. They do not describe every member of Gen Z, nor are such behaviours exclusive to one generation. However, while avoiding generalisations, we should not dismiss or ignore recurring examples, as they may form a pattern or reveal an issue affecting a significant proportion of that generation. They led me to reflect on what sustainable professional growth requires. Over the course of my career, I have developed a theory of development based on the Triple E, viewed from two sides: success attractors (Education, Experience and Exposure) and success distractors (Ego, Entitlement and Exposure without substance). Success Attractors The three success attractors can build capable and credible people. However, if they are applied in the wrong sequence, they can create confidence without competence and visibility without value. Education is the first E. It gives us knowledge, understanding and methods. Education may come through a university, professional qualification, book, mentor or difficult question that forces us to think differently. Its value is not the certificate alone; it is the discipline Eman Deabil writes about how education, experience and exposure support professional growth, while ego, entitlement and visibility without substance can undermine ambition and lasting success. of continuous learning. In a world where information is readily available, the real advantage lies in knowing what to question, what to verify and how to connect ideas and put them into context. The second E is Experience. Experience turns knowledge into wisdom and moves us from theory to practice. It teaches us what textbooks cannot fully explain: how to make decisions with incomplete information, recover from mistakes, work with different personalities and remain composed under pressure. Then comes Exposure. Exposure broadens our perspective and creates opportunities. It introduces us to people, cultures, industries and ideas. It widens our horizons and provides us with different ways of thinking. It can give talented individuals a platform to reach people who can support them. Yet exposure is powerful only when supported by education and experience. Without substance, greater visibility does not create capability; it may have a negative impact on someone. This is why Exposure appears on both sides of the theory: as an attractor and a distractor. Success Distractors The three success distractors are Ego, Entitlement and Exposure without substance. Ego is the enemy of knowledge; it is the mistaken assumption that someone already knows enough. Entitlement is expecting recognition or promotion before demonstrating consistent value. It is an unjustified belief that someone deserves something they have not yet earned. Exposure without substance is the consistent pursuit of attention and visibility without building the foundations needed to support it. Wanting to attend executive meetings, lead a visible initiative or represent an organisation womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 OPINION 20

womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 BEAUTY 21 The Power of Five Whys Are you solving the real problem, or simply dealing with its consequences? In my years of experience in salon management, I have seen many business owners facing the same problems again and again. Staff leave, difficult employees create tension and clients complain or simply stop coming back. But what if these are not actually the problems? What if they are only the consequences of something deeper? The Five Whys is a simple problem-solving method developed by Sakichi Toyoda, a Japanese inventor and entrepreneur who founded the Toyota Group. By asking “why?” repeatedly, we can look beyond the immediate issue and begin to understand its root cause. Take the example of one of your best employees deciding to leave. You might initially assume the problem is salary, but asking why can reveal something very different. Why is she leaving? Because she is unhappy at work. Why is she unhappy? Because she feels unappreciated. Why does she feel that way? Because she takes on additional responsibilities without recognition or support. Why is she taking on so much? Because the salon depends heavily on her. Finally, why does the business rely so much on one employee? Because there are no clear roles, proper delegation or structured development across the team. The real issue may therefore go far beyond salary. The business needs clearer responsibilities, stronger delegation and a management structure that develops the whole team rather than depending on one outstanding employee. The same approach can be applied to a difficult member of staff. Perhaps she regularly argues with colleagues because she is frustrated. That frustration may come from feeling that her concerns are never heard. Those concerns may remain unresolved because her manager avoids difficult conversations, perhaps because she has never been trained to handle staff conflict. She may have been promoted because she was an excellent technician, without ever receiving the leadership training required for management. This does not mean the employee should not be held accountable for her behaviour. It means that dealing with her behaviour alone may not solve the wider issue. The manager may also need training and support. Now consider a client who cancels because her usual hair colour is unavailable. The immediate problem appears to be the missing product. Ask why, however, and a different picture emerges. The salon ran out because nobody noticed stock was low. Nobody noticed because stock was not being checked regularly, and this happened because there was no proper inventory system or person responsible for ordering. The missing colour was therefore only the visible consequence of a deeper operational problem. Look Beyond the Obvious Before blaming your staff, replacing an employee or reacting immediately to a client complaint, take some time to ask why. The Five Whys is not about finding someone to blame. It is about understanding what is really happening inside your business. Sometimes five questions will be enough and sometimes you will need more. What matters is checking your assumptions against the facts and identifying something you can genuinely improve. A good manager solves problems. A strong leader also looks at why those problems happened and what needs to change to stop them happening again. Finding the root cause is only the first step. The difference comes from taking action. When you address what is really causing a problem, you are not simply fixing what went wrong today. You are helping to prevent the same issue from returning tomorrow. Every month, we invite readers to pose their own questions for Badia to answer in her next column. Make sure to ask your own by emailing [email protected] A k Badia Your Monthly Guide to Salon and Spa Success ?

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