Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
This week the kingdom has been celebrating Women's Day. The celebrations really began 80 years ago on December 1, 1928 when the first government school for girls was officially opened.
Bahrain, always a pioneer, was the first GCC country to offer formal education specifically for girls.
Today, the women of Bahrain regularly academically outperform men, and they are constantly reaching dizzying new heights in all areas of life.
His Majesty King Hamad recognised how hard working and dedicated Bahraini women were and created the Specific Council for Women, which reports directly to him.
It is chaired by Shaikh Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty, who works tirelessly to promote the rights and development of Bahraini women not just in Bahrain or the GCC, but globally, where she ensures they take their rightful place on the world stage.
Taking a look at the Constitution, it states clearly that 'Bahraini men and women are equal in the eyes of the law' to ensure there was no misunderstanding.
Unfortunately, some officials still manage to misunderstand, misinterpret or ignore this part of the constitution and women are still suffering injustices in certain situations such as divorce and domestic abuse. Hopefully, the proposed new Family Law will tighten up these irregularities.
The women of Bahrain have much to celebrate as they take their rightful place in the social, political and economic areas of life.
Small and medium-size businesses are the backbone of any economy and today many of these are run by enterprising Bahraini women and the government and banking communities are being increasingly supportive and encouraging in this area, providing training and attractive financing options to ensure these entrepreneurs flourish.
I have always seen women as the 'glue' that holds society together and we have many roles to perform. We must be daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and increasingly, at least part-breadwinner to help families meet the economic challenges they face today.
The proof of this is evident when we see Bahraini women appointed as government ministers, ambassadors, and Shura Council members, based on their merits and not solely as a token of their gender.
Since I first arrived in Bahrain in 1980, I have been impressed and inspired by the quiet determination and dedication of Bahraini women.
I recall my late mother-in-law, Asma, and her stories of life as a young woman, in the days when they lived in a barasti (palm tree house) had no running water or electricity and fast food meant the speed at which a hungry family devoured the sometimes meager offerings she cooked in between giving birth and taking care of her brood of eight.
Later, when the family moved to a conventional house, she shared her delight at being able to relieve some of the effects of the stifling summer heat, by sleeping on the roof under the twinkling stars.
She was always grateful for small mercies and I remember being struck by the way she just seemed to take progress in her stride.
As I listened to her stories of the hardships of the old days, I couldn't help but compare those spartan days to the relative luxury she now lived in with her air conditioned three-storey house, the television and DVD player, the fridge and freezer, the electric cooker and even a microwave and don't forget the vacuum cleaner and that coveted status symbol, the houseboy.
I marvelled at her quiet acceptance of these everyday luxuries as she dismissed them with 'Alhamdullilah'.
Shaikha Hessa, mother of His Majesty, is a perfect example of strong female leadership and determination as she constantly guides and advises the women of our kingdom and her opinion and influence hold much sway with women of all ages. With such a positive maternal influence, it comes as no surprise then, to find the respect, faith and belief that His Majesty has for the women of the kingdom, evidenced in his official stance towards them and his creation of the Specific Council for Women.
Let's not forget that silent army of the women of Bahrain who work their magic on a daily basis, cooking, cleaning, cajoling, and caring for their loved ones and keeping their families well and happy.
The teachers, nurses and policewomen, the supermarket checkout girls, the bank tellers, to all mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and best friends, I salute you, the kingdom salutes you and even though some of them might never admit it, the men of the kingdom salute you. Let's face it, they know when they are beaten, girls!
On a final note, I want to ask all mothers out there to teach their sons to love and respect women. As the mother of two sons, I see this as the most important thing I can teach them and one of my biggest maternal responsibilities.
Too many men, of all nationalities, are NOT brought up to see women in this light and the consequences are unfortunately still too evident in our society and ironically, women themselves are usually the ones who have to cope with the resultant fall-out when this important lesson has been omitted from a male's emotional education.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK
Guys, please make sure you show the women in your life how much you love and appreciate them. Your mother, sister, wife, daughter, colleague - buy them a bunch of flowers, cook them a meal, take them to the cinema or just simply say 'thank you'.
