Manama: Shaikha Aisha Bint Rashid Al Khalifa has made history by becoming the first Bahraini woman to graduate from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, near London.
Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Aisha’s grandfather, spoke of his pride in her and in Bahraini women as he witnessed the historic event at the academy’s Sovereign’s Parade where 190 cadets graduated after completing their 44 weeks of training.
In a statement, Prince Khalifa “lauded the efforts, determination and perseverance of Shaikha Aisha that have enabled her to reach advanced levels in one of the world’s most prestigious military academies.”
Shaikha Aisha is a vibrant model of the attributes that Gulf and Arab women in general, and Bahraini women in particular, possess as they strive to achieve their goals and fulfil their ambitions, he said.
The fact that Shaikha Aisha is the first Bahraini woman to graduate from the Sandhurst academy well-known for its strict sense of discipline and full commitment is a great source of pride, Prince Khalifa added.
He said that progress and success are achieved only through deep dedication to learning and acquiring skills.
“Advanced Knowledge and outstanding aptitudes are necessary to build a prosperous nation by its male and female citizens,” he said.
Shaikha Aisha said that she was profoundly grateful to Prince Khalifa for his tremendous support.
“That was among the most important factors that empowered me to achieve honourable results at the academy,” she said, adding that his presence at her graduation was the most prestigious honour she could receive.
British Prime Minister Theresa May represented Queen Elizabeth at the Sovereign’s Parade.
In her speech, she singled out Shaikh Aisha.
“Among today’s cohort is the first ever Bahraini woman to graduate — the grand daughter of Bahrain’s Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Shaikh Khalifa, who is here with us today,” she said.
Addressing the graduating cadets, May said: “We could have given you a warmer welcome than 44 weeks swimming in the coldest waters, hiking across the Black Mountains, conducting live fire exercises in Bavaria and completing the most gruelling and demanding course that any officer cadet could ever have to endure.
But the fact you all came through it is testament to your courage and resilience. So you and your families should be exceptionally proud of everything you have achieved.”
She reminded the graduates that “although military capability and tactical brilliance will always be essential, they will not alone suffice.”
“For you must also remain true to the values that you have learnt — responsibility, community and fairness together with duty, selflessness and social consciousness — values that define the greatest leaders,” May said.
