Culture Lebanon’s first lady Nehmat Aoun takes center stage during Pope's visit Lebanon’s first lady, Nehmat Aoun, attended nearly all gatherings and visits of Pope Leo during his three-day trip to Beirut, highlighting her active involvement in social and humanitarian issues. Lebanon
Lebanon’s citizenship offer for FIFA head sparks debate over equal rights Lebanon’s president has announced he will grant citizenship to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sparking a wave of outrage. Lebanon
Iran judicial chief orders crackdown on women defying hijab law: What to know Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei also called for legal action against the United States over the June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran
Culture Rape case against movie star Pejman Jamshidi rocks Iran: What to know The accusations against Jamshidi, one of Iran’s most famous celebrities, come amid ongoing discussions about women’s lack of rights in the country. Iran
Iran rocked by three honor killings in one month A push for urgent legal reforms and greater public awareness is gaining momentum in Iran after the country reported three gruesome honor killings in less than a month. Iran
Anger over male Knesset member appointed to head women's rights committee Women's rights groups are furious over the appointment of male Knesset member Oded Forer to head the Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality. Israel
Family of imprisoned Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul worries after contact cut off Women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who has been imprisoned since May 2018, hasn't been heard from in a month. Originals
Northeast Syrian women to participate in meetings on tribal matters Some women in the autonomous, Kurdish-led statelet welcome the move. Syria
‘An insult to women’ everywhere: Afrin kidnappings prompt calls for investigation of Turkey-backed rebels A video reportedly showing detained women inside a secret prison in Afrin has prompted further criticism of Turkey's proxy forces operating in Syria. Syria
IDF not in hurry to integrate women in elite combat units Young Israeli women have petitioned the Supreme Court demanding to be tried-outed for joining elite combat units. Israel
Palestinian woman leads fight against coronavirus, while others fall victim to domestic violence Women are taking the lead in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in the Palestinian territories, while at the same the virus has brought more violence and suffering to some women. Palestine
Iran unlikely to release women activists during pandemic The coronavirus outbreak is adding to the plight of imprisoned women’s rights defenders in Iran. Iran
Migrants in detention center go on hunger strike in fear of coronavirus Migrants in a Tunis detention center went on a hunger strike to protest bad conditions that aren't improving amid the coronavirus outbreak despite calls by rights organizations that prisoners be released. Tunisia
Reports of child abuse in Turkey spike amid pandemic A prominent children's rights activist told Al-Monitor that complaints of child abuse incidents have doubled since the closure of the schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Turkey’s femicide toll soars amid coronavirus lockdowns Women’s rights groups are calling for urgent action to protect victims of domestic violence in Turkey, where coronavirus restrictions leave vulnerable women trapped with their abusers. Turkey
Arab legislator to chair Knesset committee, undeterred by incitement The appointment of Arab Knesset member Aida Touma-Suleiman to head the Welfare and Labor Committee generated racist reactions and incitement to hatred, but she is not upset. Israel
