Companies in Bahrain are starting to realise that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an important part of their transformation into a reputed brand, said a leading businesswoman.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member and Rashid Investment Holding chairwoman Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication, that being socially responsible is a decision all corporations must take seriously.

“Companies must give back by empowering the society and developing the community,” she said.

Shaikha Hind was speaking during the monthly ‘@the Majlis’ series hosted by the Capital Club. The event was attended by Capital Club members and guests from varied professional backgrounds.

“Al Rashid Group has come a long way – in 1973, along with my late husband, we opened the first branch of Mothercare. Today, it is one of the largest retail conglomerates,” said Shaikha Hind.

“Our success is driven by our promise to be the best corporate citizens through providing employment to Bahraini nationals.

“Currently we boast a Bahrainisation rate of 25 per cent, an increase of 7 per cent when compared with the previous year,” she said.

“Other than employment, we ran around 12 CSR initiatives; giving back to the community and further fostering its development,” she said.

“The importance of CSR also echoes strongly in my personal life as I head the Children and Mother’s Welfare Society.

“We need to build a culture of philanthropy in Bahrain, not only subjected to companies, but to individuals as well. Giving back should be instilled in the characteristic of every individual; and I do believe that all walks of society must come together in order to further develop the community,” she said.

Commenting on the third session of ‘@the Majlis’, Capital Cub Bahrain’s general manager Dina Haikel thanked Shaikha Hind, describing the event a big success.

The ‘@the Majlis’ event is held on a monthly basis and it features a number of key executives from both the government and private sectors. – TradeArabia News Service