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
New Egyptian group seeks to defend men's rights in divorce The first association defending men’s rights was recently established in Egypt, in light of the growing calls of women’s movements and organizations to grant women wider rights in the personal status law, which is currently under the amendment. Egypt
Women in Idlib face online harassment Many women in Idlib have been subjected to online harassment and blackmail, where their personal data posted on social media have been exploited for financial or moral gain, or for sexual exploitation purposes. Syria
First woman to command Israeli Defense Force brigade A newly promoted colonel will be the first woman to command a brigade in the Israel Defense Forces. Israel
Egypt launches first women's fatwa councils Many Egyptian Muslim women are happy with the launch of the first four women's fatwa councils, as they can now ask female preachers for religious fatwas on private matters. Egypt
NFTs get Egyptian women out of debtor's prison An organization that offers help to poor Egyptian women persecuted by the law has partnered with a creative collective in Dubai to raise donations and awareness, especially outside the country, using non-fungible tokens. Egypt
Turkish women’s groups rally behind anti-femicide platform In Turkey, women’s groups and the political opposition are demonstrating in support of the We Will Stop Femicides Platform as it fights for its survival. Turkey
IDF to integrate women into elite air force unit In another victory in the principle of gender equality, the Israel Defense Forces will now open its air force elite Rescue Unit 669 to women. Israel
Turkish women's rights activists decry racism in their name Dozens of Turkey’s grassroots women rights groups issued a statement against racism and anti-immigrant sentiment, only to face angry reaction from many parts of the political spectrum. Turkey
Egypt's legislators divided on burkinis Debates about whether women should be allowed to wear burkinis in swimming pools have been reignited in Egypt as the Arab country hopes it can use the summer season to compensate the losses its tourism sector sustained because of the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Three countries where abortion is legal in the Middle East and North Africa Abortion is illegal in much of the region, and there are various legal and societal barriers to the practice in the countries where it is allowed. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Women in Yemen trapped by war, abuse Eight years have passed since the war in Yemen began, and women there continue to exist in dire situations in which they are faced not only with the hardships of displacement but also with threats, persecution, imprisonment and banishment from exercising their political rights. Legacy: Gulf
Rights group spotlighting murder of women in Turkey faces legal threat A lawsuit threatens to silence Turkey's main voice on violence against women, the We Will Stop Femicides Platform. Turkey
