The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has designated March 10th of each year as International Day of Women Judges, recognising the importance of women’s representation in the judiciary and their role in upholding justice.
In alignment with the significance of women’s participation in the judiciary, Bahrain’s judicial sector has witnessed remarkable progress since launching the National Action Charter in 2001.
This charter has solidified and embodied the principles of justice and equality in the kingdom, marking a pivotal shift in the journey of Bahraini women.
This progress was further reinforced by the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) on August 22, 2001 under Amiri Order No. 44 of 2001, later amended by Amiri Orders No. 55 of 2001, No. 2 of 2002, and Royal Decree No. 36 of 2004.
The SCW is entrusted with implementing His Majesty the King’s vision for the advancement of women and integrating their needs into various operational frameworks, all within the broader scope of the kingdom’s comprehensive development strategy led by His Majesty.
The Supreme Judicial Council translated His Majesty the King’s vision into action when the first Bahraini woman was appointed as a prosecutor in 2003. Bahraini women demonstrated their ability to serve with efficiency and dedication, leading to a royal decree in 2006 appointing the first Bahraini female judge. This milestone marked a transformative moment in Bahrain’s judicial history, paving the way for greater female participation in the judiciary. As a result, Bahrain became the first Gulf country to appoint a woman to the judiciary.
Nineteen years have passed since this landmark appointment, significantly advancing the role of Bahraini women in the judiciary.
Today, 26 female judges hold various leadership positions, representing Bahrain in both domestic and international fora. Their contributions highlight the indispensable role of women in driving national development.
Bahraini women now hold high-ranking positions, including Deputy Chief of the Court of Cassation and Senior Deputy in Judicial Inspection at the Public Prosecution. Beyond their leadership roles in numerous courts, specialised offices, and prosecution divisions, their presence in the judiciary stands as a remarkable success story, a legacy that serves as an enduring example for future generations.
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