Women's rights

Egyptian Women Eye Revolutionary Role

Rights activists hope gender roles will evolve further in new Egypt.

Tajik Officials Justify Chinese Land Deal

Tajik Migrants' Wives Fight for Alimony

Tough Times for Kyrgyz Women's Groups

As foreign grants dwindle, NGOs turn to cash-strapped government.

Afghan Runaways Flee Forced Marriages

Women often jailed for trying to escape coercive arranged matches.

Uzbek Schools Renew Campaign Against Hejab

Afghan Women's Fragile Gains Face Threat

Female participation in recent election reached all-time high, but hard-won gains could easily be reversed.

Herat Women in the Driving Seat

Rising numbers of female drivers despite widespread opposition and harassment in conservative city.

Temporary Marriages Stir Iraqi Sensitivities

Iraqis divided over whether short-term Shia marriage contracts assist or exploit vulnerable women.

Polygamy Promoted to Tackle Plight of Anbar's Women

Campaign encouraging men to take more than one wife draws controversy in province awash with war widows.