Fatima Salman and Subah Al Dossary will be contesting for separate constituencies in the same district of Muharraq.  No other woman has so far registered in the rest of four governorates

In the last municipal election in 2006, five women, out of a total 171 candidates, took part in the race. However, none of them won. Salman and Subah had also contest the last elections.

Fatima Salman is optimistic that this time women would be able to turn the corner. Talking to media she said she did not agree with the perception that because of their soft nature women could not cope with tough municipal responsibilities.

She said a large number of Bahraini women were working in various fields and many of them have duties tougher than municipal councillors’ responsibilities.

Fatima defended her decision to contest the municipal election saying by their very nature women can play a big role in beautifying their surroundings, so female municipal councillors could contribute more than men in developing roads, gardens and the environment. — shamada@khaleejtimes.com