Egypt's National Council for Women (NCW) hailed on Wednesday the decision by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary to promote 16 women judges to high judicial posts.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Council of the Judiciary promoted hundreds of judges across the country, including women, most notably Judge Amal Ammar, who became president of the Qena Appeal Court.

Judge Ammar is also a member of Egypt's National Council for Women.

Judge Hassana Shaaban was also promoted and appointed head judge of the Tanta Economic Court.

In the statement released Wednesday, the NCW described the decisions of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary as a reflection of its deep belief in the capacity of women to perform judicial duties, adding that women judges contribute to upholding justice in the country.

According to the NCW, there are currently 66 women judges appointed in several stages, starting from 2007, then 2008, and in 2015.

The NCW also recalled the appointment of Judge Ghada El-Shahawy as the first woman assistant to the minister of justice on women and child affairs in 2015, as well the appointment of Judge Susan Abdel Rahman as assistant to the minister of justice on human rights.