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
How Israel enables discrimination against ultra-Orthodox women Those praising Israeli democracy must remember that women are constantly discriminated against by ultra-Orthodox parties that are part of the ruling coalition. Israel
How Egyptians are fighting forced marriage Forced marriage in rural areas, especially in Upper Egypt, has become so rampant that several women and civil institutions launched campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of such practices. Egypt
Egyptian women’s groups unite behind domestic violence bill Women’s organizations have prepared a bill to fight violence against women, but the measure is likely to face religious and social pushback in Egypt's conservative society. Egypt
Egypt already may need to revisit women's inheritance law The recently passed amendment to Egypt's Constitution regarding women's inheritance rights was hailed as a long-awaited breakthrough, but the topic might need additional legislation to ensure full equality for women, including Copts. Egypt
Turkey’s top religious body okays divorce via text message Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs has issued several controversial opinions, most recently one stating that men may divorce their wives via a telephone call, fax, text message or email. Turkey
Turkish feminist artist takes on Mount Qaf An exhibition in Istanbul by the Turkish artist CANAN defies gender stereotypes and sexual taboos, marrying the personal with the political. Turkey
Does Egypt really need a Women's Affairs Ministry? Egyptian member of parliament Hiyam Halawa announced a proposal for the establishment of a Ministry for Women's Affairs, but some Egyptians argue it wouldn't help advance women’s status in the country. Egypt
Israeli women take over IDF tanks The religious Zionist movement objects to the Israeli army's decision to train female soldiers as tank crews. Israel
Egyptian women get inheritance rights The Egyptian parliament passed a law guaranteeing women’s rights to inheritance, which was widely welcomed, especially by women in Upper Egypt. Egypt
Turkey’s girls, women struggle with body image A Turkish woman who died following gastric sleeve surgery has revived the debate about women’s body image in Turkey. Turkey
Women carve niche in Gaza's small theater world Three determined Gazan women have established their own all-female theater production company. Palestine
#MeToo movement is stillborn in Turkey The #MeToo movement has focused on violence in Turkey with significant support, but the attackers are neither named nor punished, and sexual misconduct is still a taboo subject, so its victims often suffer alone in shame. Turkey
