Category Archives: Bohra Women

Bahrain’s Zainab Abbas shares her life’s journey as an artist and what inspires her to do and keep doing what she does.

Dr Nafeesa Kothawala also known as Dr Frugal, is an anesthesiologist by profession and a passionate environmentalist. With more than 33 years of experience in her field, she is an inspiration to the Bahrain community, even more so for advocating important issues such as higher education, organic living and environmental conservation.  Having grown up in…

Zainab Patanwala is an Ajman-based driving instructor working for Al Noor Driving Institute. She started training drivers as early as 2000 and has come to find great satisfaction in her work. In this interview, we ask Zainab about her experience in this profession and her life on the road. When you think about cars, what…

Nishrin Kothambawala has always been fascinated by gardens. As a child she would wander into gardens and green vistas, admiring the aesthetic beauty offered by a panoply of shrubs, plants, flowers and trees. These visits instilled in her an appreciation for organised and well-maintained gardens. This allure gradually bloomed into a passion and eventually translated…

It would have been easy to write off Batool Dadabhai’s story as that of a girl born into privilege. But her ambition, tenacity and determination echo a true entrepreneurial spirit that spurred her to venture outside her comfort zone and carve her own niche as one of the preeminent businesswomen in the Kingdom of Bahrain….

Dr Fatema Kutiyanawala’s story, like that of all doctors, is one of hard work and determination, but more importantly it is about her resolve to continue her parents’ legacy. For the past twelve years, she has followed in her father’s footsteps to chair Sharjah’s Central Private Hospital. Fatema was born to Dr Shakir and Dr…

From a young age, Munira Lakdawala had dreamt of becoming a doctor. This aspiration was fueled by the way her parents had raised her: to be faithful, compassionate and helpful to all. But destiny had other plans in store. Before Munira could complete her medical degree, her mother passed away while giving birth to her…

Even among leaders, the story of Zanubia Shams stands apart. The tale of a mother and daughter relationship transcends from being one that is inspirational to one of inspiration itself. The drive, excellence and compassion for which Zanubia has come to be known are the key attributes of the legacy of strong women leadership. Zanubia’s…