STORIES
From breaking news and urgent investigations to bold op-eds by global leaders, we bring you the stories that shape the lives of women and girls worldwide.
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
‘This is the Average Life of a Girl in Pakistan’: The Gender-Based Violence Crisis in Pakistan
The United Nations reports that over 90% of women in Pakistan face domestic violence, and the country accounts for about one-fifth of the world's "honor" killings. Cultural attitudes that devalue women's lives are at the core, say Pakistani women. Photo: Asif Hassan
How Zimbabwe’s Apostolic Women Are Risking All to Save Their Children
In Zimbabwe, Apostolic women are caught between faith-based restrictions and the urgent need for modern healthcare. Photo: Bishop Andby Makururu
The Digital War on Women: The Link Between Online Misogyny and Human Trafficking
Following the UN's report on prostitution as systemic violence, Taina Bien-Aimé addresses the pervasive online abuse of women and its broader implications for the sex trade and human trafficking on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The Unseen War on Gaza’s Women and Girls
Arwa Damon, former CNN senior international correspondent and president of INARA, describes life for women and girls in Gaza amid the ongoing war following her recent visit to the region.
‘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
A Decade On, Women in Syria Make the Most of What They Have
Syrian journalist Zeina Shahla interviews three women about how their lives have changed since the civil war, their efforts to rebuild their communities, and their dreams for Syria’s future.
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.
One Baloch Woman’s Decade-Long Fight for Justice
Sammi Deen Baloch’s relentless fight to find her missing father brings attention to the plight of Balochistan’s disappeared.
Women Wage Peace: Diaries of Hope and Resilience
Jewish Israeli writer and teacher Shoshana Lavan reflects on the struggles and strengths of women in pursuit of peace.
1000 Days of Darkness for Afghan Girls
For 1000 days, the Taliban have banned Afghan girls from the classroom. Four young women in Afghanistan share their thoughts on the ongoing crisis in their country.
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.
Raisi’s Death: A Hollow Victory for the Women of Iran
President Ebrahim Raisi’s death offers little solace to Iran’s women, who will continue to be deprived of basic rights until the entire Islamic Republic is dismantled. Photo: Atta Kenare / AFP
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.
Reclaiming Power: How 'Saliteh' Became a Symbol of Resistance Among Iranian Women
Iranian-American journalist Tara Jamali reflects on the growing sentiment of strength and solidarity among women in her country. Photo: Taymaz Valley
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.