Turkey's Erdogan acknowledges 'alarming' rise in violence against women After one of the deadliest months for femicides, the Turkish president highlights the country’s surge in violence against women but provides little reassurance to rights groups. Turkey
Iran mulls lifting ban on women driving motorcycles: What to know Women face a number of restrictions in Iran, among them an effective prohibition on riding motorcycles. Iran
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
Israel’s most religious, furthest right Knesset sworn in The 25th Knesset includes more far-right legislators, more ultra-Orthodox, fewer women, fewer Arabs and no Druze representatives at all. Israel
Iran warns Germany over crackdown criticism The Islamic Republic was unsettled by international criticism over its suppression of nearly two months of protests, with its security forces now attacking people dancing in defiance of theocratic rules. Iran
As Iran protests enter sixth week, women take to Afghanistan's streets Some of the largest protests led by women started after a Sept. 30 suicide attack on an educational center in Kabul in which 53 Hazara girls were killed. Iran
Iran protests continue in universities Protests in Iran have continued to spread to universities, presenting a new challenge to the Islamic Republic. Iran
Tunisia's sex workers want their brothels back The crackdown on legal brothels in Tunisia puts its sex workers at risk of further harm. North Africa
Rights groups under attack for defending women in Gaza Women’s rights organizations in Gaza supported two young women who escaped their father’s violence, prompting an incitement campaign against these organizations due to the conservative nature of Gazan society. Palestine
Morocco's women martial artists defy cultural stereotypes Al-Monitor talks to four Moroccan female martial arts athletes about cultural stereotypes and how to inspire and empower future generations of female fighters. North Africa
Headscarf debate returns to Turkish politics at initiative of secularist opposition The CHP becomes proactive against Erdogan's "religious populist games." Turkey
Iran unrest takes new turn as schoolgirls join protests A fresh episode was seen in raging protests across Iran as schoolgirls defiantly twirled headscarves and chanted against Iran's supreme leader, who ordered a crackdown on the protesters. Iran
Medusa trend prompts Egyptian women to speak out on sexual assault Egyptian women who have been victims of sexual assault and rape are using the Medusa tattoo trend on social media to tell their stories and make their voices heard. Egypt
Iran says it will prosecute those who encourage protests In an attempt to quell widespread protests, Iran is now warning that those who encourage protests will be held liable. Iran
