A research in Iraqi Kurdistan proves that there is a link between mental disorders and Female Genital Mutilation. Iraqi Kurdistan has banned FGM last year, but at the moment, an approximate 40% of the female population in Kurdistan has undergone this procedure.
In Sudan, an opposition leader has received criticism about his comments on women rights in the country. For example, he is of the opinion that women should be allowed to lead prayers in the mosque.
Cassandra Balchin wrote a piece on the relationship between development and religion, focusing mainly on the gender aspect, and using examples from Yemen and Chad among others. It’s all about “religious literacy.”
Uyghur petitioners who try to get their cases solved in Beijing often end up in “black jails,” and get sent back home by local authorities. An example is the story of Behelechem Rusul, who was charged with what is called “illegal petitioning.”
Norway may allow police and judges to wear hijab in the near future, reversing the ban from 2009.
Women in Saudi Arabia can work, but need the permission of their guardian to do so, which can be a serious obstacle for many women who do not have a good relationship with their male family members.
In Western Afghanistan, women’s literacy is on the rise.
Disturbing news from Iran: ahead of the elections, many journalists, activitists and bloggers, many of whom female, have been arrested.
Intissar Abdel Moneim published a memoir on her previous life as “Muslim Sister”. It focuses in particular on the discrimination of the female members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
In other news, a woman currently active with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt slams December’s women march, saying it was funded and served a particular agenda. A quote: “When a woman marches to defend her rights, this affronts her dignity.” Ehm, sure….
An Iranian women rights activist was killed in Houston last week.
Tunisian model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem is the first “Muslim” face of Lancome.
The BBC published a piece on the two high profile cases that involved Afghan women and abuse. Question is what future there is for an Afghan woman jailed for being raped.
In Iran, not only is there gender segregation in the classroom, but soon there will be different text books for boys and girls as well. Can’t believe that they did not think about that earlier…
Syria’s first lady, and former “media darling,” Asma al-Assad has virtually disappeared after the revolution started.
The struggle of “older” British Muslim women in their quest to find a partner has nothing to do with fussiness, according to Syma Mohammed.
Saudi female artist Manal Al Dowayan started a project called “My name is,” to fight the prevalent idea that uttering a woman’s name out loud is offensive.
After doing a nude shoot, Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani is banned to return to her homeland. And all that for showing some flesh. Such a crime…
Arfa Karim Randhawa has passed away at 16; she was one of Pakistan’s IT geniuses, and a role model for many young girls.
Macleans features a piece on the headcoverings and why the debate concerning the veil is much more complicated than one would think.
A tragic weekend for Turkish women: several cases of Turkish women and women’s abuse were headlined in the news. It underscores the ongoing struggle with gender based violence in the country.
The University of East Anglia is the first UK university to offer a degree in women, Islam and the media.
The body of former Muslim Mandy Ahmadi, who was according to her pastor likely to be kidnapped by “Muslim fundamentalists,” has been found in her backyard. Her husband, a Christian convert as well, has been charged with murder.