Turkey’s top religious body sparks outrage over women’s inheritance rights Women rights activists say that the body is increasingly targeting women, challenging secular law and fostering conditions for gender-based violence. Turkey
Opposition slams Erdogan after 9 killed in deadly week for Turkish women Activists say the government’s rollback of legal protections and state-backed religious sermons are fueling gender-based violence and restricting women’s freedom. Turkey
Amnesty: Syria's rulers must look into abductions of Alawite women and girls The report comes after the coastal area witnessed deadly clashes last March between pro-Assad militias and security forces that triggered revenge killings against the Alawite minority. Syria
Syria mandates burkinis for women at public beaches: What to know The decree has sparked concern that Syria’s new government could be veering toward a more strict Islamist governance system. Syria
Iraqis protest proposed 'anti-women' amendment to personal status law Temporarily prevented from being read in parliament, an amendment to the country’s personal status law is seen as the “latest salvo” in a lengthy battle. Iraq
Women activists face 'severe sentences' in Iran, as new president vows easing of restrictions A woman labor activist was sentenced to death in Iran for allegedly belonging to an outlawed Kurdish group, as authorities continue their crackdown against any type of dissent. Iran
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
How EU-West Bank police mission hopes to advance two-state solution Newly appointed EUPOL COPPS chief Karin Limdal is tasked with helping Palestinian law enforcement institutions reform to facilitate the implementation of the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood. Palestine
Saudi Arabia to make debut at Miss Universe pageant The move is a historic first for Saudi Arabia, where women have long faced restrictions under conservative Islamic laws. Saudi Arabia
Israel's Labor Party chief: Netanyahu’s policies 'charade,' Gaza solution requires PA In an exclusive interview, Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli squarely blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for emboldening far-right politicians and damaging relations with the United States. Israel
Israel’s first lady speaks out about 'unbearable' plight of women hostages in Gaza Michal Herzog, Israel's first lady, spoke to Al-Monitor about her mission to make the world recognize the sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women on and since Oct. 7. Israel
Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi sentenced to prison over tweet: lawyer Sara Massoumi criticized the Islamic Republic over the death of teenage girl Armita Geravand, who some allege was beaten for not wearing the hijab. Iran
‘Silence is complicity:’ Sheryl Sandberg speaks out on allegations of Hamas sexual violence At the UN headquarters in New York, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, slammed the organization UN Women for its reluctance to acknowledge the sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women on Oct. 7. Israel
Iran's security arrests mother of Armita Garawand as teen still lies in coma Just days after her daughter fell into a coma after reportedly being attacked by morality police officers, Shahin Ahmadi was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location. Iran
A year on, Mahsa Amini's death exposes divides in Iran establishment The death of Mahsa Amini almost a year ago has had profound and enduring effects on Iranian politics and society, reconfiguring political alliances and a renewing debate over the future direction of the Islamic Republic. Iran
