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
Leaked video shows Khamenei aide's daughter in Western wedding gown amid Iran's hijab crackdown Senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani faced criticism online after video surfaced of his daughter’s extravagant wedding. Iran
Iran adding 80,000 personnel to enforce hijab in Tehran province Iran scrapped a stricter law on women’s head coverings last year and some women are now defying the restrictions altogether. Iran
As Syria finalizes candidates for parliament, women make up 14% of list Syria’s parliamentary elections are set for Sunday, when electoral committees will select 140 lawmakers before President Ahmed al-Sharaa appoints the remaining 70. Syria
Egypt female candidate angers feminists by glorifying the patriarchy A female candidate running in Egypt’s upcoming legislative elections has been glorifying men and the patriarchal system, raising the ire of feminists across the nation who have worked for years to change society’s view that women are inferior. Egypt
Cleric reopens scars of acid attacks after threatening Iranian women Threats by an influential hard-line cleric against Iranian women with loose headscarves has opened up old wounds left behind in acid attacks perpetrated by religious extremists. Iran
Gaza women use social media to reveal domestic abuse In light of the rise of domestic abuse cases in the Gaza Strip, women are resorting to social media to share their stories and try to protect their rights. Palestine
The Takeaway: Normalization deals don’t ‘repair damage’ of Trump policies, says US senator Democrat Chris Van Hollen takes apart Trump policies in Middle East; Al-Monitor gets the scoop on the art of the deal in Sudan; Turkey’s militarized foreign policy; the gold standard for nuclear power in the Middle East. United States
Egyptian TV host sparks controversy after saying there is 'devil' in unveiled women The recent remarks of a well-known Egyptian TV presenter on the hijab, criticizing those who are unveiled, stirred up a heated debate in Egypt. Egypt
COVID-19 and the marginalization of Iranian women COVID-19 has adversely impacted many segments of society across the globe, including Iranian women. Some fear the damage will be permanent. Originals
Intel: House Democrats want answers from Saudi ambassador over jailed female activists A group of seven congressional Democrats laid into Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States on Wednesday for failing to respond to their repeated requests to discuss the kingdom’s continued detention of female rights activists. Saudi Arabia
Alleged sexual offenders face social media barrage in Egypt Despite rising online calls for sexual offenders to be held accountable for their crimes and a new amendment to the anti-sexual harassment law guaranteeing confidentiality of survivors, many women in Egypt are still reluctant to report sexual harassment incidents for fear of being stigmatized. Egypt
Female scooter-riders on the rise in Egypt Despite an increase in the number of sexual harassment and bullying cases Egyptian women are subjected to, they still plan on conquering any means of transportation. Egypt
Is COVID-19 pushing women in Egypt out of workforce? With schools reopening and many shifting to partial online learning because of the coronavirus crisis, working moms in Egypt are facing the challenging task of juggling work and supporting their children’s education. Egypt
Rape of teen shocks Israelis, sends them to the streets Women rights groups were joined by many Israeli firms in a protest over the gang rape of a 16-year-old in Eilat. Israel
Turkey's 'hedonist' singles become new target of AKP heavyweight Numan Kurtulmus, deputy chair of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party who opened a Pandora’s box on the Istanbul Convention, has come under fire once more for remarks on “over hedonist singles.” Turkey
