The results of the recent polls in Bahrain are encouraging given the fact that two more women have won in the parliamentary by-elections. This brings the total number of women in the lower chamber to four.
Ebtisam Hijris and Somaya Al Jowdar are the first women to be voted to power following an election — an achievement not confined to them only. Women make up 10 per cent of the 40-member lower chamber, in addition to the eleven women who are members of the upper chamber. It is a positive step to have in an election a good representation of women both as candidates and winners.
For one thing, it gives a push for women to hold key posts through which they are able to contribute to the development process in the country. In addition, such representation is important for women's empowerment as their voice is crucial in any given process.
