Women’s rights

Mr. Olympia Big Ramy's second marriage sparks debate over polygamy in Egypt

The news of Mr. Olympia, otherwise known as Big Ramy, marrying for the second time without the knowledge of his first wife sparked controversy in Egypt, especially in the wake of statements whereby an Islamic preacher denied a woman’s right to ask for divorce when her husband marries another.

Egypt

Women face obstacles in bid for Libyan presidency

Libyans are going to the polls in less than a month to elect their first-ever president, and two women are in the running.

North Africa

UK nominates documentary on femicide in Turkey for Oscars

“Dying to Divorce,” the United Kingdom’s official entry into the Academy Awards for best international feature film, tells the story of Turkey’s gender-based violence victims, femicide and the inability of the legal system to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

Turkey

Intel: Qatar to represent US diplomatic interests in Afghanistan

Qatar will act as the formal diplomatic messenger between Afghanistan's Taliban leaders and Washington.

Qatar

Egypt appoints first woman president of National Council for Human Rights

For the first time in history, Egypt appointed Egyptian diplomat Moushira Khattab to lead the National Council for Human Rights,

Egypt

Turks demand protection after woman killed with sword

In the wake of a headline-making femicide in Istanbul, activists and politicians have revived calls to return to the Istanbul Convention.

Turkey

New Abu Dhabi law allows civil marriage for non-Muslims

The decree from Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan also establishes a court to handle non-Muslim family matters.

United Arab Emirates

Egyptians want preacher who justified violence against women stopped

The statements of an Egyptian preacher who justified violence against women raised the ire of social media users and prompted activists to demand that he be prevented from appearing in the media.

Egypt

Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta denounces fatwa on marital intimacy

A fatwa by an unofficial body on the number of times a husband must have intercourse with his wife sparked controversy on social media, prompting Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta to denounce the fatwa as it belittles women’s rights.

Egypt

Palestinian NGO to form network in Gaza for women affected by war

The Center for Women's Affairs in the Gaza Strip announced that it will establish a national network to develop plans to support women in times of crisis and war.

Palestine

Female volunteers in northwestern Syria raise awareness of breast cancer

Volunteers raise breast cancer awareness among women in opposition areas in northwestern Syria, where access to health care is limited.

Syria

Gazan women find haven at ladies-only pools

More resorts in the Gaza Strip are offering ladies-only swimming pools, allowing women to relax and enjoy the sun away from public eyes.

Palestine