Lateefa al-Gaoud is the latest of Emirate women trailblazers who have reached important national and international positions.

Manama (AsiaNews/Agencies) – It has been a historical time for Bahrain's women. It began with Shaikha bint Rashid al-Khalifa, who became president of the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly in June this year, making her the first Arab woman and only the third woman to ever hold the post.

Al-Khalifa joins Mona Jassim al-Kawari who became a civil court judge, making her the first woman to hold such a position in the Gulf. Earlier, Public Prosecutor Amina Isa became the first woman in Bahrain to represent the Public Prosecution Office in formal court hearings.

Another woman reached a milestone on Monday. Lateefa al-Gaoud won a seat in parliament to become the first woman MP.

"I am very proud of arriving at this point and I hope more female candidates reach parliament. They have the qualifications and the capabilities," Ms al-Gaoud said.

She told the local press: "I always dreamt of serving my country and to be given the chance to do so in this historic manner is a fantastic opportunity."

The newly-elected MP expressed the desire that all Gulf States take Bahrain's example in giving women political rights and the right to participate in political activities.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration and a Master's degree in financial management and is currently working in Bahrain's Ministry of Finance as the head of the human resources department.

• bahrain
• women
• democracy
• political
• rights
• development
• emancipation