Sheikha Maha became Qatar’s first female judge in 2010 after being sworn in by the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Masoud Mohammad Amiri. Her appointment was a source of optimism for women across the country as a sign that they too could assume important leadership and judicial positions. At the time Al Thani said she hoped the decision would pave the way for more women to enter the field and join her as judges or assistant judges.