[JURIST] Jordan's High Judiciary Board appointed Ihssan Barakat [AWLN profile] as Chief of the Court of First Instance Monday, marking the first time a woman will preside over a team of judges in the country. Barakat said that "this is a very important step for Arab women in the region," adding that she is ready for the responsibility and will make providing an efficient judicial system her top priority. She will begin her post on June 1.

Barakat, a founding member of the Arab Women Legal Network, was also the first woman to serve on the Appeals Court of Jordan [JURIST news archive]. As Chief of Court she will lead 21 judges and 81 employees. AFP has more. The Jordan Times has local coverage.