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
Controversy erupts over women's role in political life in Egypt The head of Egypt's National Council for Women, a government body dedicated to addressing women's issues, has stirred controversy by requesting that party leaders resign from the group. Egypt
Iran-Syria soccer game surrounded by major controversy Iranian authorities stir controversy by allowing Syrian women to attend a soccer World Cup qualifier while refusing to let in Iranian women. Syria
Why Turkey's brides are doing disappearing act In the process of increasing visibility of Islamization, wedding invitations become contested territory in Turkey. Turkey
Burkini bans causing waves in Egypt Tourist-hungry Egypt finds itself stuck in the middle of the burkini debate. Egypt
Losing faith in Rouhani, Iranian women ever defiant Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s failure to nominate a single female Cabinet minister is leading women to lose faith in his promises — but not hope in their future. Iran
Middle East's painter-princess finally gets her due The artistic legacy of Fahrelnissa Zeid, an interesting figure of early Turkish modern art, gets spotlight back on the international art stage through a series of exhibitions in Istanbul, London, Berlin and Beirut. Turkey
Egypt's alimony reform debate begins before bill is introduced A parliament member is looking to expedite the yearslong process Egyptian women often must go through to receive alimony when they file for divorce. Egypt
New program draws Egyptian women to tech An Egyptian tech school is looking to increase the representation of women in the tech industry with a new programming class exclusively for women. Egypt
Gaza radio station gives a voice to refugees, women In its first month on the air, Hawwa radio station based in Nuseirat refugee camp has tackled issues prominent in Gaza refugee camps and aims to encourage women to stand up for themselves. Palestine
Egypt's Al-Azhar rejects Tunisia's calls for equal inheritance for women Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi's calls to change the inheritance law faced backlash across the region, with Egypt's Al-Azhar sharply denouncing them. Tunisia
Hotline helps Lebanese talk about sex With no sex education in Lebanon's schools, the launch of a new hotline gives the Lebanese a chance to ask their questions related to sex, relationships, sexual health and gender identity. Lebanon
Tunisian president calls for gender equality in inheritance law Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi’s proposal on National Women’s Day to amend the inheritance law so as to secure equal rights for women sparked much controversy in Tunisia. Tunisia
