Women's rights activists in Tajikistan are exasperated at the failure to pass a law on domestic violence after many years of lobbying.

While the criminal code outlaws physical assault and injury in general, experts say the absence of specific protections and penalties for violence in the home undermines efforts to support victims.

First Lady Wafaa Sleiman launched a guide book about the situation of women in Lebanon, during a celebration at the Bristol Hotel in Beirut on Saturday.

Sleiman attended the gathering upon the invitation of the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which collaborated to produce the publication.

15 October 2010 - (Juba) – The United Nations development project, UNDP has pledged to support women to enhance their participation in the 2011 referendum.

Speaking at the Southern Sudan Women's conference on the 2011 referendum in Juba on Thursday, UNDP country director, Mister Claudia Caldarone said they have set aside funds to ensure that women fully participate in the referendum process.

Southern Sudanese women drew referendum plans to ensure their effective participation in 2011 vote on self-determination.

Women from the ten states of southern Sudan and the Diaspora closed today in Juba a three-day conference about their role in the upcoming referendum.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - The South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has affirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and African Women's empowerment following the launch, on Friday, of the African Women's Decade (2010-2020).

Margot Wallstrom, the U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict zones, appealed to the Security Council Oct. 15 to enact sanctions against the rebel leaders who were reportedly responsible for the mass gang rapes of up to 500 women in the Democratic Republic of Congo this summer.

Asmara — The NUEW branch in the Central region is undertaking various activities in 13 administrative areas and 3 sub-zones with a view to strengthening women's competence and organizational capacity.

Southeast Asian Human Rights Scholars' Network

The Ministry of Women and Child Protection is consulting the National Commission of Violence Against Women as it presses ahead with its bill on gender equality.

When Kevin Braithwaite, a serial entrepreneur and director of the incubator RootSpace, tells fellow Silicon Valley types that he's investing in startups in Lebanon, they usually look at him like he's crazy. "Most people choke on their drinks and walk away," he tells Fast Company.