Bahrain has again broken new ground. By appointing the Gulf's first female judge, the state is proving that what has long been considered a social taboo can be easily changed by bold reform-minded decisions.
The appointment of Mona Al Kawari follows several other moves to promote women to high-level positions ministers, legislators and diplomats.
Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, a Bahraini career diplomat, is poised to preside over the United Nations General Assembly for the next 12 months.
A total of 21 women are also preparing to run for parliament in elections due later this year in the kingdom.
In appointing a female judge, Bahrain is sure to be criticised by conservatives who think women should not hold judicial positions. They claim it is against Islam, but it is not.
Several other Muslim countries such as Turkey, Egypt and Syria have appointed women to these positions. Women in these countries have proved they are equally capable and as professional as men.
It is a controversial issue. Until now, no one has dared to discuss it. But the Bahrain move is expected not only to discuss the role of women in the judiciary but also highlight the need to empower them in our societies.
