Five courageous women from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cambodia, Congo and Hillary Clinton were honored in an international event for their remarkable efforts and struggle to empower other women and spread democracy, none from the Arab world though
Arab women in the Gulf States have made small but notable gains in the past five years, according to a new Freedom House study of women's rights in the region. The nongovernmental organization conducts studies and creates programs to promote freedom and democracy around the world.
The role that women play in mosques varies substantially around the Muslim world. Visits to two mosques in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, show just how different women's experiences can be.
Of the 20 nations with the fewest women in their parliaments, nine are Arab or Islamic. There are no women in the parliaments of Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
The present world population is 7.1 billions, which is growing at the rate of 97 millions people per year will touch 8.5 billion by the year 2025. About 95 per cent of the population growth will be in the developing countries.
The law makes it illegal for Shia Muslim women in the country to refuse to have sex with their husbands and restricts their rights outside the home as well.
Lubna Hussein could receive 40 lashes if found guilty of being indecently dressed - by wearing trousers. In her first major interview, she tells James Copnall in Khartoum why she is determined to fight on, whatever danger she faces.
A snapshot of the issues around the media's portrayal of women and girls-from effects on body image and self-identity to ramifications in sports and politics.