This past week, I had the privilege of being a Corporate Ambassador at a conference in Bahrain hosted by the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS), supported financially from the U.S. by the State Department’s MEPI program and facilitated by Vital Voices. I was invited to talk about women’s leadership but ended up learning more from the exchange than I taught.

First, I was humbled by the gracious welcome and hospitality given to us by the women leaders of the BBS. We were given the opportunity to experience the culture through food and dance, not to mention shopping in the market and haggling in Arabic. Just a note: I wasn’t speaking Arabic, but our driver accompanied us into the Souk (shopping district) to shop and helped make sure we got the best deals. We even had dinner at a palace, Shaikha Mariam’s house (INCREDIBLE!). I had heard of the graciousness and generosity of the Arabic people but this trip exceeded my expectations.

Second, I was impressed by the strength and fortitude of the women we met. Granted, we were working with the top-tier of women in the country, but their intense desire to help elevate the stature of not only themselves but the rest of the women in their respective countries was incredible. They have some high walls to climb, but their ability to be forceful yet respectful without being confrontational holds great hope that they will succeed in affecting real change in the region.

This was not the first time I had attended an Arab Businesswomen’s conference, but it was my first time in the Persian Gulf. I was somewhat surprised that there were actually greater numbers of women who choose to dress in more modern (albeit expensive!) attire than those who opt for traditional dress. Upon inquiring, I discovered that the women who wore head scarves did so because they chose too, not because someone made them. That seemed to be a different picture than what we get in the press and on TV. I learned that just because women dress with head scarves and body parts covered doesn’t mean they’re being repressed. Again, their dress seemed to be their choice but there is no question that women there do not have anywhere near equal rights…yet.

To glimpse into another culture, especially one so different from your own, is an opportunity everyone should pursue at some point in their life. Not only was it a growth experience, but the exchange shattered preconceived notions on both sides. Truly, getting to know each other is a first step towards peace.

Have you had any great experiences with people from other cultures? What did you learn that surprised you?