Social Responsibility
Bahrain This Month (February 2005)
Bahrain's newest minister is full of confidence about her latest designation and is determined to show a greater sense of responsibility through her actions as the newly appointed Minister of Social Affairs.
Dr. Fatima Al Balooshi is the second Bahraini woman named to a ministerial level following the recent cabinet reshuffle. Several new appointments were announced last month by His Majesty The King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as part of the ongoing reform and development plan.
She joins Health Minister Dr. Nada Haffadh who became the first Bahraini woman minister last year.
The Social Affairs Ministry is one of the most strategic organizations concerned with community development and social progress; Dr. Al Balooshi realized that and is adamant to go great lengths to provide better civil services for the people and work out the social issues at hand.
"I was somewhat surprised to learn that I was appointed minister," she told me. "But it made me feel a greater sense of responsibility. The role of Minister of Social Affairs is an important one--one that has significant concern for the public."
Dr. Al Balooshi says she knows it will be a big challenge and an even bigger responsibility.
"But it is one that I am completely willing, prepared and qualified to take head on," said the former University of Bahrain (UoB) College of Education dean. "I will be giving it everything that I've got."
As the new Social Affairs Minister, Dr. Al Balooshi wants to establish a services quality standard and focus on boosting the Government's reform and development strategies.
"I'm concerned with the quality of civil services provided to the public," she revealed. "I have my mind set on creating higher standards through quality management that will ensure a smoother and more effective operation."
Dr. Al Balooshi displays a relaxed and easy-going attitude. After speaking with her at length about specific directives, it became readily apparent that she has a mild temperament and a clear vision. Her education background and vast career experience make her the right person for the job.
Dr. Al Balooshi has an impressive educational background, having earned several degrees from US and Canadian universities. She also went to the US in 1996 under the Eisenhower Fellowship, the first Bahraini ever to be chosen to participate in the prestigious programme.
She joined UoB in 1997 as an assistant professor in the College of Education's Educational Technology Department and was appointed college dean last year. She was also the department's chairwoman for four years, beginning in 2000.
She is definitely a decision-maker and leader.
However, Dr. Al Balooshi did not agree with my view that women generally tended to be more in tune with social affairs and issues and that perhaps that was another point of strength in her advantage.
"Some tend to think like that, but it has absolutely nothing to do with gender," she stressed. "Men and women are equal in sharing responsibilities and doing their part in the society. This is about our capabilities as people to guide, lead and build."
However, Dr. Al Balooshi acknowledged that her diverse educational background would significantly help her in her new role.
"Education has a major role to play in creating a modern, understanding community," she reiterated. "I believe that we can learn a lot from teaching methods and educational guidance." As for women in Bahrain, Dr. Al Balooshi says she is confident that they will meet the challenges to face the complexities of modern life, just as they have always done.
"Their vital contribution towards the development process is one that has to be realized and appreciated," she continued. Dr. Al Balooshi urged women to assume a more proactive and decisive approach in taking on new directives.
"His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister have given equal opportunities for both men and women in the decision-making process of reform," she pointed out. "Women must capitalize on this healthy situation and prove that they are equally capable. I feel a greater challenge to set an example for those who will follow my footsteps."
She is married and has four children, three boys and a girl, between the ages of seven and 18.
Dr. Al Balooshi admits that the pressure of managing both a family and a ministry will be somewhat overwhelming, but that her family is totally behind her and that their encouragement will help her to succeed.
"From my own parents, to my husband and children, everyone at home has always stood by my side and provided the moral support," she remarked.