Activist hopes women will do better in next polls

It has been about four years since Bahrain declared its National Charter which provided women with full political rights. But women are yet to make a mark in political life. They are now looking forward to next year's parliamentary elections.

Naima Marhoon, Bahraini activist and president of Bahraini Women's Development Society, hopes women will take an active part in the elections and fare well. "I am optimistic about the coming elections," she told Gulf News in an interview.

"The Bahraini woman has been fighting for her freedom and political rights. Now she has it and all that she needs today is good support and a strategy to perform well in the next elections," Naima said.

"The Supreme Court has also planned a strategy to support women in the next elections. We are working hand in hand to make a successful attempt."

"Bahraini women have been watching their counterparts in the Gulf. They have extended their support in their fight for their political rights. We have experienced a lot of changes recently in the political domain, and we hope we Bahrainis will be role models for all," she said.

The Freedom House, an American human rights organisation, has recently praised the status of Bahrain women.

In October, 2002 elections, several women ran for the 40-member elected parliament, but none won a seat. It is very early to say how many women would decide to join next year's election race.

The writer is a Bahrain-based journalist.