‘Bahraini women enjoy high status’

Manama : Diana Raia, the incumbent president of American Women’s Association (AWA) is a busy bee, actively collaborating with like-minded people to do charity and social work. 

According to her, the AWA is not restricted to Americans. “It is open to all nationalities as long as they are women, a Bahrain resident with a CPR,” Diana Raia revealed in a freewheeling chat with DT News.

This fact about AWA- its ability to host all nationalities under its brand- is what makes her proud of working for it.

Diana Raia had a successful career in the financial services industry in the United States before taking up social activities as her main passion. Before coming to Bahrain, she had served organisations in Italy and United States.

She loves Bahrain with all her heart and is saddened by the fact that she along with her family will be leaving the Kingdom in July. Ms Raia has been active with the AWA ever since her arrival in the Kingdom and consider the Kingdom’s life as good as or better than her New York life.
“Bahrain is great because, I could meet many interesting people, different cultures. There is no other place like this in the world…not even New York. In Bahrain, everyone is so cordial. It’s very different from my earlier experiences,” said a beaming Raia.

Commenting on the women’s status in the Kingdom, she said: “Women are really coming up here. There are many women who make a difference. So many women out there helping each other, in entrepreneurship, professional and social activities.”

Excerpts:
How do you see the charity activities here?
There are so many great charitable organisations in Bahrain in need of donations and volunteers. A few of the facilities taking care of children with special needs and elderly people. There are many, loving and caring people who give donations, but many of the charitable organisations still need more. The AWA is happy to support many charities and we are grateful to our sponsors.

For raising funds for charity, the AWA conducts Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) every two years. This major fundraising event provides funds that the AWA contributes to local charities each year. The CTT is a fun day out for the physically and mentally challenged people. It is one of the oldest and largest charity events here. The CTT is organised to raise money for 35 Bahraini charities the AWA supports.

What attracts you here the most?
Cultural understanding. Here every culture is celebrated and embraced. Everyone is welcomed. For instance they celebrate American, Chinese and Indian cultures throughout the island during their holidays.

Bahrain must be your first exposure to Arab culture…
Yes. I am taking with me great feelings. Not only me, my entire family. My children’s friends are more Arabs than Westerners, and most of my friends are not Americans either.

What is your philosophy regarding child rearing?
Practise what you preach to your children. Our children imitate our actions.
I want my children to be happy and successful in their chosen profession and I tell them often to volunteer. Giving back to the society is very essential, children should be encouraged to do that.