Women in the Islamic world
All topics-
Morocco
Mohammed VI turns 60: Diplomacy a priority as inequalities persist
Morocco's King Mohammed VI is set to celebrate his 60th birthday on 21 August away from the public eye, as challenges abound almost a quarter century after he ascended the throne
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Taliban Afghanistan's double whammy
Afghans face a failing economy and high taxation
Almost two years after the Taliban swept to power, other international crises have distracted attention away from Afghans' suffering amid the country's dire socioeconomic conditions. Looking ahead, Hameed Hakimi asks what are the economic prospects for Afghanistan under the Taliban?
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Equality in the Arab world
Lebanon's 'dangerous' Khateera feminists
A popular Beirut-based media platform is tackling some of Arab society's most sensitive subjects – such as sex, love, desire and gender roles – with distinctive humour. Diana Hodali reports
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Four Afghans on two years Taliban rule
Worry, relief, pride, despair
Two years since the Taliban stormed back to power in Afghanistan after 20 years of war against the United States and its allies, life has changed dramatically for many Afghans, particularly women
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Books on the Iran protests
Fighting for freedom in the "mullah state"
Women are the main drivers behind the new revolutionary movement in Iran. Four female authors offer inside views and moving snapshots from a variety of perspectives. Review by Rene Wildangel
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Iran protests
Women defying hijab laws forced into psychiatric treatment
Authorities in Iran are trying to enforce laws obligating women to cover their hair by sending them for psychological treatment.
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Arab states in crisis
In search of a miracle cure
Given the political, economic and social challenges in Arab countries, fragmented individual measures are no longer enough. What is needed is comprehensive, far-reaching reform. Essay by Marwan Muasher
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Iran's authoritarian dress code
Tehran seeks to enforce hijab rules again
The hijab is not just a piece of clothing. This traditional headscarf holds deep cultural and political significance in Iran. The Islamist regime demands that women wear it for the sake of morality and order. Nonetheless, a considerable number of women have stopped doing so entirely. By Shora Azarnoush
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Magda Saleh, Egypt's first prima ballerina
Remembering the butterfly of ballet
In the early hours of 11 June 2023, Magda Saleh – Egypt’s first prima ballerina – died at the age of 78. She played a pioneering role in bringing classical ballet to Cairo. Mohammad al-Mansi takes a look back at her life
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Empowering women
Transforming horizons in rural Morocco
Research conducted in Morocco reveals the positive community impact of sustainable agricultural initiatives when preceded by women's empowerment workshops, leading to participatory action, enhanced community well-being and decentralisation. By Yossef Ben-Meir
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MbS and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabiaˈs great transformation
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is attempting to move away from economic dependence on hydrocarbons. Given the vast resources that the kingdom is deploying, the enthusiasm shown by young Saudis and the speed at which reforms are moving forward, the strategy could ultimately benefit the entire Middle East. By Rabah Arezki and Tarik M. Yousef
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Islamic feminism
Evolving gender rights
In her latest book – "Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam" – legal anthropologist and activist Ziba Mir-Hosseini talks to six leading Muslim reformists about gender, women's rights and the latter's evolution over time. Interview by Tugrul von Mende