Women’s rights

Gulf women activists still face persecution despite hopes of reform

Saudi Arabia's women still languish under the country's system of male guardianship, even as the case of Rahaf al-Qunun, who barricaded herself in a hotel room at the Bangkok airport, refusing to go back to Saudi, has brought renewed attention to the situation of women in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia

Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women

Feminists in Iraq are speaking out against the merger of the parliamentary committees on human rights with that on women, family and childhood, saying the latter was already overextended and insufficient to effect female advancement.

Iraq

Female-only ride-hailing app to compete with Uber, Careem in Cairo

Fyonka, Egypt's first all-female ride hailing service, is providing money-earning opportunities and transport for women.

Egypt

Jordan’s civil society fights for more rights in Personal Status Law

Rights and women activists are exerting efforts to convince Jordan’s Senate to amend several articles of the Personal Status Law that allow child marriage, and disregards women’s rights in divorce and inheritance.

Jordan

Equal inheritance still struggle in Morocco

While Tunisia gears up to become the first country in North Africa to achieve inheritance equality between men and women, the issue still stirs a nationwide controversy in Morocco.

Morocco

Israelis raging over violence against women

For the first time ever, tens of thousands of Israelis protested against violence against women, forcing the government to react.

Israel

Turkey issues arrest warrants for MBS associates

Turkey sends a message to Saudi Arabia and the world about the Khashoggi murder.

Saudi Arabia

Baghdad policewomen's roles expand as they rise in ranks

As more women join Iraqi police forces and become more visible on the streets, they believe the public — and their colleagues — will become more accepting.

Iraq

Tunisian women one step closer to equal inheritance

The Tunisian government recently approved a law on gender equality in inheritance, stirring mixed reactions in the country that prides itself for being the most democratic in the Arab world.

Tunisia

Egypt's oldest festival makes room for women directors

The Cairo International Film Festival is putting female directors in the spotlight this year, including adding a section dedicated to their works.

Egypt

Who scored when Iran hand-selected women for historic soccer audience?

For some Iranians, the visible female audience at a recent soccer match at Tehran's Azadi stadium was a meaningful win in a long war over allowing women to attend public soccer matches, but others are frustrated at what they consider a publicity stunt.

Iran

The politics behind Iranian women's entry to Azadi stadium

Iranian women were allowed into Tehran’s Azadi Stadium last week to watch a high-profile soccer match live. A lot of politics were at play to make that happen.

Iran