Overall the largest gains for women in Africa have been in states experiencing post-conflict transition, particularly because it allows for a complete restructuring of the government and constitution. Leading up to July's official secession date, many women in South Sudan have recognized this opportunity to mobilize and are leading the way in the push toward gender inclusion and female rights in the new state.

Mahfouz, who began online political activism in 2008, is now credited for launching a video call that sparked the revolution against the autocratic military rule of U.S.-backed President Hosni Mubarak.

Ten years after the Security Council called for greater involvement of women in peacebuilding, United Nations peacekeeping missions have a mixed record and need to deploy greater efforts to reach the goal, according to a study launched today.

Women in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to oppression by family and society because of lack of education and awareness in the rural areas hence timely measures must be taken to improve the status of women by providing equal educational opportunities. Speakers at a seminar ‘Tribute to Women's Leadership at grassroots level: Actions and Achievements” were of the view here Friday.

2011 is going to be the year of women for the world's largest and most powerful international Muslim body. The 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has prepared an action plan to advance the status and rights of women among its member states. And the OIC's next chair-nation, Kazakhstan, is set to make that issue a priority.

In a meeting on Sunday with more than 20 representatives of women's organisations in the Kurdistan Region, President Masoud Barzani reiterated his strong support for women's rights.

Physical torture, abuse, forced abductions, sexual harassment, forced marriages, and other brutal practices are everyday events in the Islamic republic of Pakistan. Women in Pakistan still face daunting hardships in the male-dominated society. Although seemingly every other day the government announces plans to secure the rights of women — it has been of no use.

More than a year before Ndumie Funda was finally able to get on the internet, she set up a women's shelter in her home for lesbians who have come under the most vicious attacks in the country.

In the heart of Egypt's capital and only a few minutes from the Nile, women from all walks of life are now calling Tahrir (Liberation) Square home. Thousands of men and women are camping in protection of the square, which has come to symbolize an entire country's struggle.