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
Ultra-Orthodox women fuel change in traditional communities Ultra-Orthodox demographics are changing, with less children per family and more educated and employed women. Israel
Palestinian artist draws vivid picture of women's suffering, rage Palestinian artist Hanaa Hamash pays homage through her artworks to the Palestinian women living under occupation. Palestine
Women’s organizations in northern Syria have come a long way Although women’s organizations are successfully raising awareness about women’s rights and the need to fight sexual violence and crimes in north Syria, challenges represented by a patriarchal society remain. Syria
Turks up in arms over religious green light for 9-year-old brides Huge public outrage forces Turkey’s top Islamic authority to step back from its endorsement of marriage for girls as young as age 9. Turkey
In rural Egypt, women seek fertility help from the dead Desperate women in Upper Egypt turn to ancient superstitions to boost their fertility with practices that can be both grisly and dangerous. Egypt
Was 2017 really the 'year of Egyptian women'? Despite the issuance of several laws related to improving the status of women in Egypt, there is still a long way to go. Egypt
Iranian women no longer face jail for dress code violations Iranian police will no longer round up poorly veiled women and take them to detention centers. Iran
Graphic novel brings human side of Yemen to life Despite the ravaging war, real life in Yemen remains mysterious to outsiders, and two Italian authors are sharing their take with "The Yemeni Bride." Yemen
What does Gulf crisis have to do with Tunisian women? Banning Tunisian women from flying on Emirates airline may have more to do with UAE geopolitics than possible terror threats. Saudi Arabia
Sinai women become breadwinners The Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity has allocated all of its profits from its yearly handicrafts exhibit to the development and rehabilitation of north Sinai homes that were destroyed in terrorist attacks. Egypt
Lebanon's mothers see glint of hope in custody ruling A Shiite mother in Lebanon was recently granted temporary custody of her two children in what human rights advocates say could indicate a long overdue, small step forward in personal status laws. Lebanon
'Don't send us to our death' Saudi sisters beg Turkey Two sisters from Saudi Arabia are fighting deportation from Turkey, where they fled violence back home, but the court order still stands. Saudi Arabia
