Middle East news
Gaza town Beit Hanoun sweeps rubble, tries to return to daily life
As families in Gaza return to homes with no roof, no water and no power, a wedding gives a rare reason to celebrate.
To be a kid again, healing with art - Syian refugees
Kulsoom Rizvi reports on her trip to the Akre Refugee Camp, Erbil: "The Castle Art Project provides a creative outlet for youth to express themselves and forget for a second that they’re refugees."
Iraq and the Social Impact of War
It is estimated that, during the past 30 years, 1.5 million women have been left as widows in Iraq, which represents an enormous 10% of the female population...
Arab-Israeli olive oil business promotes peace and cultural understanding
Sindyanna of Galilee, a female-led fair trade association, is working to encourage understanding between Arabs and Jews in Israel by selling local producers' olive oil worldwide and investing profits in educating women, bridging cultural divides...
Iran: Maryam Shafipour Sentenced To 7 Years Imprisonment
March 2014: Student activist Marymam Shafipour charged with “assembly and collusion with intent to act against the national security”, and “spreading propaganda against the regime”...
IRAN: Old challenges continue for women under new president
Feb 2014: By Elahe Amani with Lys Anzia - "Not only is Iran’s new President Rowhani not responding to women activists, but there are new restrictions on women in accessing jobs, especially jobs for single unmarried women...."
Iran: Human rights denied to prisoner & activist Ms. Maryam Shafi’Pour
Feb 2014 - WNN: “The case of Maryam Shafi’Pour deserves immediate attention of the global human rights community,” outlines WNN reporter on Iran, Elahe Amani..
Support from families is important for young women activists in Iraq
The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation has cooperated with women’s organisations in Iraq since 2005. In 2011, the Foundation opened an office in Erbil...
Iranian Student, Maryam Shafipour, Reportedly Transferred to Prison Infirmary After Falling Unconscious
Dec 2013: Sources report that the health of Maryam Shafipour continues to deteriorate. Her high blood pressure reached dangerous levels rendering her unconscious...
Israel: Women's Leadership for Peace and Security
Nov 2013: By Irit Hakim - A coalition of 30 Israeli feminist groups released "A Comprehensive Action Plan for the Application of United Security Council (UNSCR) Resolution 1325” at a public conference in Jaffa...
Friend of Imprisoned Iranian Student, Maryam Shafipour, Speaks Out
In July 2013: Maryam was rearrested, held in solitary confinement and then transferred to Iran's notorious Evin Prison. Joanne Michele interviewed a friend of Maryam...
Solidarity Through Farming - Protesting Demolition of Palestinian Homes
By Irit Hakim: "On 7th September 2013, we – the members of Combatants for Peace, went to the Palestinian town of Anata to demonstrate against the demolition of 17 homes..."