Barakat becomes first female Cassation Court judge

AMMAN — The Judicial Council on Thursday appointed Judge Ihsan Zuhdi Barakat as a judge in the Cassation Court to become the first Jordanian female judge to hold this position, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Four months ago, Barakat was promoted with the highest rank, making her the first woman to reach a senior post in the judiciary.

The Cassation Court is the highest judicial authority in the Jordanian judicial system, which has authority over all Jordanian courts and comprises seven judicial bodies.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hani Mulki has issued a circular to ministries and official institutions to ensure gender equality in vacant positions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday. 

Mulki said that the selection of candidates has to be based on eligibility regardless of gender, unless it is an exceptional case required by the work nature approved by the Civil Service Bureau president and justification presented.

The prime minister has directed human resources employees in ministries and official departments to comply with this directive as part of the appointment procedures.

The decision comes in line with the provisions of the Jordanian Constitution and His Majesty King Abdullah’s Discussion Papers.