NBB Group, consisting of the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), proudly supported the International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination”, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs.

The two-day event showcased various case studies on integrating the people of determination within the work environment while stressing on the importance of Diversity and Inclusion. The event emphasised the significance of educating the general public on the vital role played by public and private sector organizations in empowering and embracing people of determination and showcasing the value they add to the workplace.

Through a number of sessions and workshops, the event discussed the role of people of determination in a variety of sectors including sports, technology and more. Field experts shared the latest local and international practices in education, in addition to hearing inspiring stories from Bahraini heroes. The conference aimed to showcase the importance of integrating people of determination into the community as well as providing parents with the necessary resources to empower their children.

NBB Group employees participated in the conference, highlighting the Group’s initiatives in empowering the people of determination. Dana Buheji, Group Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer, took the audience through the NBB’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, emphasising on the continuous support given by the board members while presenting the bank’s future plans in this domain.

Shatha Al Qassimi, Human Resources Supervisor at NBB, spoke about her experience working with people of determination, underlining her continuous involvement with the Bahraini Society of Down Syndrome on a project to recruit and integrate people of determination within the work environment.

Maryam Shehab, Account Payable Analyst at NBB, shared her inspirational journey as the first employee with a hearing disability at NBB, where she was able to integrate naturally due to her ability to communicate by reading lips and respond with words. Maryam is also the first female student with a hearing disability to graduate high school with distinction and receive a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to complete her Bachelor’s degree.

Integrating people of determination within the organisation in specific, and the Bahraini community at large, falls within NBB Group’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.