A Bahraini businessman will give out 100,000 flowers to women across the country in support of Bahrain's first Women's Day.

The initiative is costing Rolanda Flowers owner Ahmed Malik BD30,000, but he says it's worth every fil to show that Bahrain respects women.

He is also hoping to make it to the Guinness World Records to ensure the message is heard on global scale.

'I was reading one of the magazines in October on how His Majesty King Hamad decided to celebrate the first Women's Day in Bahrain and thought I should do something to support this,' he told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

'When I travel, people say that we treat women very bad, that we keep them in the house and I say it is not true.'

'The woman is a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter. She is everything, she is the centre of the family and keeps everything going.'

'In Bahrain, women are working in ministries, in parliament and we want the whole world to see that women here are living and working normally and they deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and contribution.'

'I want to say to the world that we do respect women and that I support His Majesty's decision.'

Malik's idea is supported by Rolanda Flowers' sister company Nawal Flowers and its owner Nawal Al Sabbagh.

The flowers, which include lilies, carnations, orchids, and roses will be distributed by Rolanda Flowers, Nawal Flowers and volunteers at malls, offices, ministries, schools and universities.

Pinned to each flower will be a card congratulating women on the occasion.

'It will cost BD30,000, but it is about giving back to the community and highlighting this event,' said Malik.

'We supply flowers to 85 per cent of the shops in Bahrain, so businesswise it will come back, but the main reason I am doing this is because I want women to be happy on this day and if we do it big, then everyone will celebrate this day in the future.'

'Everyone in my family will get involved in giving out the flowers - even my 13-year-old son Abdulla wants to help.'

Malik's wife, Rola Adnan, said the initiative was like a 'thank you' to women because International Women's Day, on March 8, was rarely celebrated in Bahrain.

'I think this will open eyes and may lead to more rights for women,' she said.

Volunteers wishing to get involved can contact Malik on 39634498.

The Oil and Gas Affairs Ministry will mark Bahrain Women's Day tomorrow, by honouring women promoted to managerial positions at the authority.

The ceremony will be held under the patronage of the minister, Dr Abdulhussain Mirza.

Women staff at the authority and those who made academic achievements will also be honoured.-TradeArabia News Service