NADA HAFFADH

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'Dr Nada Haffadh' became Bahrain's first female cabinet minister when she was appointed Minister of Health in 2000. Previously she served in Bahrain's upper house of parliament, the Consultative Council.
Dr Haffadh studied Medicine in Egypt and at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland before returning to Bahrain to practise, working for the Health Ministry both as a doctor and in administration. Dr Haffadh took over the Ministry after the previous incumbent failed to force through government reforms opposed by doctors.
A member of Bahrain's Shia sect, she has been an active campaigner for women's rights with the Bahrain's Supreme Council for Women.