Three of Bahrain’s influential business personalities took to the panel to share their arguments as to whether women stand in the way of their own success, or whether society at large is the greater culprit.

Supporting the motion that women are, in fact, their own worst enemy was Dr. Clare Beckett-Mcinroy, Founder and Managing Director of Beckett McInroy Consultancy, a Certified Organisational/Executive Coach and Trainer with vast international experience, Occupational Psychometrist, Author and President of Bizladies GCC Chapter.

Against the motion, placing society at fault was Noora H. Al Nusuf, Standard Chartered Bahrain’s Head of Corporate Affairs. Noora has over 14 years of experience including Marketing Communication, Branding and Corporate Communication. Prior to joining the Bank, she worked for several local and regional organizations.

The Debate was moderated by Leena Al Olaimy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 3BL (Triple Bottom Line) Associates: a social impact and sustainability consultancy and think-do-tank in the Kingdom of Bahrain; Quality Control Consultant for the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) sustainability reporting training partners in the MENA region; Board of Trustees Member of the Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation Civil Discourse; and Advisory Council Member of HRH El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan’s West Asia North Africa (WANA) Forum.

An audience vote was taken at the beginning and end of the Debate, with a final tally of 54% supporting the motion that women are their own worst enemy, compared to the initial vote of 61% before the arguments took place. The Debate’s overwhelming message was that women will never be able to rise to great heights if they don’t take action themselves. It was also mentioned that women need to strategise, to know what they want and ensure they get rid of their self-limiting beliefs.

Capital Club’s Debate Series will take place on a bi-monthly basis, focusing on topics that affect the community at large. The next event in March 2013 will put forward the motion: Social Media Hinders Society.