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
Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government. Syria
Who is Maysaa Sabrine, first woman to lead Central Bank of Syria? Syria’s new leadership has appointed Maysaa Sabrine to head the country’s central bank, the first woman to do so in the institution’s history. Syria
Outrage sweeps Turkey over double femicide as Erdogan pledges stricter measures Activists are highlighting the government's failure to enforce existing laws to protect women. Turkey
American University in Cairo celebrates centennial with gift of art The American University in Cairo kicked off its centennial year by rededicating its original campus as a cultural arts center. Egypt
For the love of Mary and hymn: Muslim singer perks up ears Dalia Ihab Younis shrugs off critics who find it odd or somehow unacceptable that a Muslim woman in a hijab sings hymns venerating the Virgin Mary. Egypt
Turkish woman’s murder trial makes waves in public opinion When a female university student fell to her death from an office tower in May 2018, police were initially inclined to believe her male hosts' version of the story, but a trial has brought to light new evidence against the men. Turkey
Stadium gates gradually open for Iranian women Years of campaigning is bearing fruit and victory seems just around the corner for civil and women's rights activists in Iran, who have gone the extra mile in convincing the state to open soccer stadiums to Iranian women. Iran
Meet the women in Lebanon’s government All eyes are on the four women appointed to Cabinet positions in Lebanon's new government, a record high in the country plagued by economic and other longstanding issues. Lebanon
Odds are stacked against Palestinian businesswomen Women are working to advance their presence in the Palestinian business world and level the playing field with their male counterparts. Palestine
Are men getting away with murder in Gaza? As more and more women die in Gaza in honor killings or in what are reported to be accidents, some are calling for tougher sanctions against the perpetrators. Palestine
Gulf women activists still face persecution despite hopes of reform Saudi Arabia's women still languish under the country's system of male guardianship, even as the case of Rahaf al-Qunun, who barricaded herself in a hotel room at the Bangkok airport, refusing to go back to Saudi, has brought renewed attention to the situation of women in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women Feminists in Iraq are speaking out against the merger of the parliamentary committees on human rights with that on women, family and childhood, saying the latter was already overextended and insufficient to effect female advancement. Iraq
Female-only ride-hailing app to compete with Uber, Careem in Cairo Fyonka, Egypt's first all-female ride hailing service, is providing money-earning opportunities and transport for women. Egypt
Jordan’s civil society fights for more rights in Personal Status Law Rights and women activists are exerting efforts to convince Jordan’s Senate to amend several articles of the Personal Status Law that allow child marriage, and disregards women’s rights in divorce and inheritance. Jordan
Equal inheritance still struggle in Morocco While Tunisia gears up to become the first country in North Africa to achieve inheritance equality between men and women, the issue still stirs a nationwide controversy in Morocco. Morocco
