King names second woman to Cabinet
By AMIRA AL HUSSAINI
Published: 15 January 2005
Bahrain's second woman minister last night pledged to work hard to ensure that women are able to live up to high expectations.
"I hope my appointment is a new push for women to show that they can reach the highest positions in the government," Dr Fatima Al Balooshi told the GDN.
The former Bahrain University College of Education dean was appointed Minister of Social Affairs, a new position following the break-up of the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry.
The first woman minister to be appointed in Bahrain was Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh.
"This is a moment of immense pride and joy for me," Dr Al Balooshi said.
Thanking Bahrain's leadership, she said that trusting two women ministers with such huge portfolios like health and social affairs showed the level of trust and appreciation for women in the kingdom.
Dr Al Balooshi also paid tribute to the pioneering role played by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, in giving women a greater say in the political making process.
Dr Al Balooshi, a mother of three boys and a girl whose ages range from seven to 18, said her academic background would help her to make informed decisions regarding the development of social affairs in Bahrain.
"Coming from an academic background will ensure that I study everything before taking any decision, which should be based on scientific indicators. This will ensure that I don't make any haphazard decisions."