Interviews

Celebrating 50 Years of Camaraderie

by BTM

Wed, 03 July 2024

Celebrating 50 Years of Camaraderie

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, but for Susie Bower and Manal Akasha, it was an opportunity to find a new home and build lasting friendships. Both women, who moved to Bahrain two and a half years ago, have managed to integrate into the local community through their involvement with the American Women’s Association (AWA). On the heels of the associations Golden Jubilee, Farah Baig discovers how their stories highlight the importance of organisations like the AWA in fostering connections and supporting charitable initiatives.

AWA President, Ms. Bower, originally from the United States, and AWA Vice President Ms. Akasha, who hails from Sudan and Egypt, both relocated to Bahrain from different parts of the world. Bower moved from Italy after a prior stint in Japan, while Akasha came from Dubai, having previously lived in Qatar. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they quickly found common ground and friendship through their involvement in AWA.

“When we first arrived here, it was like a breath of fresh air,” Susie recalls. “Within two weeks of living here, I told my husband that this place feels like home. There’s just something about Bahrain that makes you feel welcome.” Manal echoes this sentiment, noting that joining AWA helped her feel at home almost immediately. “Since I moved to Bahrain, I joined AWA and it became like my second home,” she says. “Meeting nice people and making friends was effortless through AWA.” 

“The moment I joined AWA, I felt 100 percent supported by the community,” Manal shares. “In times of happiness and sadness, the support and friendship from AWA members have been incredible.” This sense of community and support is what sets AWA apart from other organisations, according to Susie. “When you walk into a meeting, you can immediately feel how welcoming everyone is,” she says. “The diversity of cultures represented and the warmth of the members make AWA a unique and special association.” 

A Milestone Achievement
The AWA, established 50 years ago, is celebrating its golden jubilee this September. Originally founded by three women, the organisation has grown into a vital part of the expatriate community in Bahrain. It supports around 30 local charities and provides a social network for women from all walks of life. “AWA started with the intention of giving back to the local community, and it has evolved to support social activities and build a sisterhood among women,” Susie explains. 

The upcoming golden jubilee celebration marks a significant milestone for AWA, reflecting on five decades of service and sisterhood. “Celebrating 50 years is a remarkable achievement,” Susie says with pride. “It shows the strength and resilience of our organisation and the dedication of our members over the years.” The jubilee will feature a series of events, including gala dinners, cultural exhibitions and charity fundraisers, aiming to highlight AWA’s contributions and celebrate its vibrant community. 

Giving Back to the Community
One of the key aspects of AWA is its focus on charity and community service. The organisation – a diverse group of women of all ages and nationalities – raises funds locally and distributes them to various causes within Bahrain. “We support local charities by raising money and giving it back to the country,” says Manal. “Our main mission is to support each other, regardless of nationality or religion, and to give back to the community.” AWA’s charitable efforts include support for the Al Rashad Centre for Autism, Bahrain Mobility International in Isa Town and Shamsaha Women’s Centre, an organisation that assists survivors of abuse. 

For Susie and Manal, the charity work is a significant part of their involvement with AWA. The association’s commitment to charity extends beyond simple donations. It emphasises hands-on involvement, encouraging members to volunteer and engage directly with the beneficiaries they support. “We don’t just write cheques,” Manal stresses. “We visit the centres we support, spend time with the children and adults, and see firsthand the impact of our efforts.” This direct involvement not only enriches the lives of those they help but also deepens the members’ connection to the community. 

In fact, in order to raise funds to support these charitable organisations, the AWA organises events such as the biennial Cherry Tree Trot which inspires involvement from the wider community of Bahrain. “We had an incredible turn out at this year’s event and saw participation from schools and over 30 centres,” says Manal. “It was a resounding success and raised over BD12,000.”

awa bahrain celebrating 50 Years of CamaraderieActivities for All
One of the key factors that distinguishes AWA is its multitude of groups which cater to a diverse range of activities and interests. The craft group, for instance, meets every Tuesday and creates items that are sold to raise funds for charity. “AWA’s craft group is probably our biggest and most active internal group. In fact, they even meet during summer,” Susie notes. “What they create is sold at events like the AWA Snowflake Craft Fair to generate donations for local charities.” 

The monthly ‘Women of Taste’ luncheon group is another popular activity, where members visit different restaurants and experience new cuisines. “It’s a newer group but very popular,” Susie says. “We go to different restaurants and sometimes have cooking demonstrations.” Other activities include Scrabble, book clubs, and Bollywood dancing, providing a wide range of options for members to get involved and meet new people. 

Looking Forward 
For both Susie and Manal, their roles in AWA have been transformative and they found a sense of purpose and belonging through their leadership positions. “Being in a leadership role has allowed me to give back more effectively and inspire others to get involved,” Susie shares. Manal adds: “It’s about making a difference, not just for the community but also for ourselves. The friendships and connections we’ve made are invaluable.”

Their mutual journey with AWA illustrates the profound impact that community groups can have on expatriates and Bahrainis alike. Their experiences underscore the importance of creating supportive networks in new environments, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care. As they look ahead, both women are committed to continuing their work with AWA, ensuring that it remains a pillar of support and charity in Bahrain.

“We want to leave a lasting legacy,” Susie says. “Our goal is to keep growing, reaching more people and making a positive impact in the community.” Manal agrees, noting that their work is far from done: “There’s always more to do, more people to help and more connections to be made. AWA has given us a platform to do just that, and we’re excited for what the future holds.” 

Those wishing to join the AWA are welcome to do so and can reach out to the organisation through awabahrain.org for more details.

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