البحرين الآن مكان لتروي فيه قصتك
SHAIKHA AISHA EPITOMISES COURAGE AND DETERMINATION!
More publicly active than in any other Arab country, the women of Bahrain brandish as the shining glory of the accomplishments they have achieved in every spectrum of prominence. Well represented in major professions, women organizations and societies, women have emerged from the phase of dependence on their husband’s income, that stood out as the major reason behind the decent economy of a house.
If one was born in the 1960s or in an era where the male dominance was at its zenith, the clanging of vessels in a tray, the warmth in a utensil felt by the storage of hot food, and the dust free corners and spotlessly clean floor would have been the signature of a woman. Education given the highest priority to men, some families at that time, took the pride of rolling up their sleeves in purchasing a slate and chalk for their daughters, whose testimony can be viewed through the successful women professionals, who are counted as an example to several whose hands are tied by varied restrictions. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, a century of millennials, where the armlength of a man and woman match in every sphere, arena or expertise, it is an undeniable fact that the hard work and perseverance put by women have rocketed them to the level of precedence and supremacy.
Be it in the field of textile and embroidery, medicine, engineering or business, the contribution of Bahraini women stands as a strong rock behind the successful economy of Bahrain. Bahrain, that has always spearheaded in lowering the gender gap in the region, the kingdom produced its first female chemical engineer and architect in 1977, first civil engineer in 1978, and the first electrical engineer in 1979. Producing its first mechanical engineer in 1985, and the first aviation engineer in 2008, the island has over the years strengthened its base where its embrace has transformed its women off springs into a strong, confident and successful woman.
The never-ending footprints left by the achievements of Bahraini women that spring from the combination of their hard work and perseverance, the latest feat adds more glory to the pride of Bahrain. A noteworthy accomplishment witnessed on July 12 that marked the inaugural flight of the first female fighter in the Kingdom, the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa appeared as the onlooker to see his granddaughter, Sheikha Aisha bint Rashid Al Khalifa demonstrate her hour long piloting skills using a BAE hawk.
Air Defense Force, a sector that saw men dominate and raise the flag of their countries higher than the clouds, Shaikha Aisha breaks the record of being the first women in the Kingdom of Bahrain to be the pioneer in the field air defense, and to pave the way for aspiring women who dream of representing their country in this respective field. Being the first women graduate from Sandhurst University, Shaikha Aisha serves and continues serving as a vibrant model for the Gulf and Arab women in general. Earning success, admiration and appreciation from the RMAS officials that reflects women’s dedication and excellence, the Premier praised his blood for her determination to enter the highly demanding military field, which further epitomizes her as a role model of several strong-willed women, who are ready to break the barriers and set the benchmark for safeguarding the skies of their motherland.
A graduate of Britain’s prestigious Royal Military Academy, and the holder of the rank of a pilot officer at the Royal Bahraini air force, the young royal appears as the first from Bahrain to join the ranks of the exceptional GCC women, who shed their sweat and blood to defend the skies of their nation. The graduation ceremony that was held under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II of the UK and Northern Ireland, the event witnessed HRH the Prime Minister meet his British counterpart, Theresa May and review ways of boosting bilateral cooperation mainly in countering terrorism which is threatening regional security and stability. Adding more glory and precedence to this unique achievement, United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Theresa May singled out Shaikha Aisha and praised her to skies. She highlighted, although military capability and tactical brilliance would be essential, they alone would never be enough to suffice.
And, since Shaikha Aisha is the first female fighter pilot, not just for her, but a long way has been carpeted for aspirants to live every moment of their military agendas!
