One can be born in Lebanon and live here all one's life, and still not be a Lebanese citizen. Lebanon is one of few remaining countries in the Middle East where a mother is unable to pass citizenship to her children.

It sees itself as one of the Middle East's most liberal countries, but Lebanon's lack of women politicians is conspicuous. While Lebanese women today enjoy senior positions in the private sector, political appointments have all but eluded them.

Lebanese women were granted suffrage in 1953, yet to this day they face considerable obstacles to entering politics in a country where political dynasties and patriarchy rule.

The iconography dominating global television coverage of Iran's biggest demonstrations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution is stunning: women are on the front line of the protests against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's allegedly fraudulent re-election. It is no surprise. They feel most robbed by his “stolen” victory.

Two female contenders for the Afghan presidential elections complain that the deteriorated security situation challenges their campaigns

Iraqi women who have been uprooted by violence in their country are increasingly susceptible to exploitation and abuse because of extreme financial pressures, a new field report from Refugees International (RI) described today. The report states that domestic violence among Iraqi refugees is increasing in Syria, and that reports of domestic violence are higher among the displaced population in northern Iraq.

The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today called for strengthening the country's justice system, which he stressed is fundamental for ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Arab states must take measures to combat an expanding list of issues including rising populations, trafficking, unemployment and water scarcity, a UN-sponsored report said yesterday. The 288-page report, "Challenges to Human Security in the Arab Countries," said poverty, civil wars, sectarian and ethnic conflicts, authoritarian repression added to the human rights problems faced by the region.

To tackle tribal conflicts in her country, Nadwa Al-Dawsari took the leap from journalist to director of the Partners for Sustainable Leadership program in Yemen.