STORIES
From breaking news and investigations to powerful op-eds from world leaders, we are your trusted source for understanding the lives of women and girls.
16-Year-Old in Iran Jumps from Building After School Harassment Over Hijab Rules
Harassed over her hijab, jeans, and laughter, 16-year-old Arezo Khavari’s life was cut short.
Young Iranian Woman Arrested After Publicly Removing Clothes in Bold Protest
A young Iranian woman was arrested after stripping to her underwear in protest outside her university in Tehran.
New Reports Show Severe Impact of Sudan Conflict on Women and Girls
Two new reports paint a devastating picture of how women and girls are bearing the brunt of the war in Sudan. Photo: Faiz Abubakr / Reuters
Taliban Bans Women From Hearing Other Women’s Voices
The Taliban’s latest decree banning Afghan women from hearing each other’s voices marks a new level of oppression. Photo: Ali Khara / Reuters
UN Women and European Commission Launch ACT to End Violence Against Women
UN Women and the EU launch ACT to End Violence Against Women to empower feminist movements and drive global policy change to end violence against women and girls. Photo: Marc Nozell
Taliban to Face International Court of Justice Over Treatment of Women
A historic legal case at the International Court of Justice takes on the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women. Photo: Abdullah Asiran
The Taliban’s New Tactic: Silencing Questions on Women's Rights
The Taliban bans journalists from asking about the status of women's rights in Afghanistan. Photo: Jo Shelley
The Taliban Bans Women’s Faces and Voices in Public
The Taliban bans women and girls from showing their faces and speaking in public. Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi
Iraq Proposes Law to Legalize Child Marriage
In Iraq, a proposed law allowing the marriage of girls as young as nine has sparked widespread protests. Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye
“Iran is No Utopia”: Afghan Women Refugees Face New Struggles in Iran
Fleeing Taliban oppression, Afghan women endure discrimination and uncertainty in Iran. Photo: Hoshang Hashimi
Rights Activists Warn Excluding Women from Doha Talks Legitimizes Taliban Abuses
Critics argue that the international community’s willingness to engage with the Taliban without women's representation risks accepting and even legitimizing the Taliban’s ongoing gender apartheid.
Afghan Teen Paves the Way for Girls’ Education Amid Taliban Restrictions
In a country where girls are barred from school, 17-year-old Nargis founded the Innovative Learning Academy, a free online school, transforming education for hundreds of Afghan girls.
Kazakhstan Strengthens Domestic Violence Laws After Ex-Minister Murdered His Wife
Kazakhstan amends domestic violence legislation following the murder of Saltanat Nukenova by her husband and former minister Kuandyc Bishimabyev.
Taliban Issues Mandatory Commitments to Kabul Schools to Enforce Ban on Girls’ Education Above Sixth Grade
Educational centers in Kabul are required to sign commitment letters, attached to their official documents, prohibiting the teaching of girls beyond the sixth grade, as part of the Taliban's ongoing gender apartheid. Photo: Paula Bronstein for Human Rights Watch
The Islamic Republic of Iran Uses Global Distractions to Further Crack Down on Women
The Islamic Republic of Iran uses regional tensions and global distractions to tighten its crackdown on women.
Taliban Reverts to 90s-Era Policy with Stoning Women for Adultery
The Taliban announce plans to stone women to death for adultery. Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi
Military Impunity and Gender-Based Violence Under Bukele
Under the Bukele government in El Salvador, militarization and mass incarceration have overshadowed military-perpetrated gender-based violence. Photo: Marvin Recinos
The world won’t achieve gender equality by 2030, says new report
A new report says global gender equity won’t be achieved by 2030, but hope remains.
Taliban Bans Women and Girls From Speaking to Media
The Taliban bans women and girls from contacting local media. Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi
Beyond Desperation: The Harsh Reality of Survival and Prostitution in Kinshasa's Pakadjuma
In Kinshasa’s Pakadjuma, young women are increasingly turning to prostitution as a means to survive. Photo: Eloisa D’Orsi