Bahrain appoints first woman judge

Bahrain has appointed its first woman judge, the government announced Tuesday.

Photo: Bahrain appoints first woman judge

Bahrain appoints first woman judge

The woman, Mona Al Kawari, is believed to be one of the first female judges in the entire Gulf region. She was appointed by order of the tiny Gulf kingdom's ruler, Sheik Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahrain, a pro-Western island nation that hosts the base of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, has a population of about 700,000 people. It has two women ministers in the government at the moment, plus six women members of an appointed advisory council.

A total of 21 women also are preparing to run for parliament in elections due later this year, but they face a tough fight in a conservative society that has only recently revived its democratic process.

The country has a Sunni Muslim-dominated government, but its Shiite majority has grown restive during the past few years, mounting frequent anti-government protests.

Many believe the women candidates will face an uphill battle against Islamic party supporters, reports AP.

O.Ch.