First Woman Stands for Tajik President

DUSHANBE, September 27, 2013. By Akbar BORISOV (AFP) – A woman is for the first time bidding for the presidency in Tajikistan after an opposition bloc including an Islamic party chose a respected female rights lawyer as its candidate in the majority Muslim country. A 65-year-old lawyer and rights activist who does not wear a headscarf, … Read more

The Song in Her Heart

Amal Awad speaks to Göknur Shanal, an opera singer from Australia who is working to live out her dream. It’s not often you meet someone who can single-handedly and dramatically, alter the mood of a packed room. At a recent panel for local community group the Justice and Arts Network (JAAN), there was a palpable shift … Read more

Malala Wants to be PM, Says Nobel Would be ‘Great Honour’

NEW YORK CITY, October 11, 2013 (AFP) – Teenage rights activist Malala Yousafzai told an audience in New York Thursday that she would like to become prime minister of Pakistan to “save” the country. In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at a sold-out public event, she also said winning Friday’s Nobel Peace Prize would … Read more

More Saudi Women Defy Driving Ban

RIYADH, October 10, 2013 (AFP) – Saudi women are increasingly getting behind the wheel in defiance of a driving ban ahead of a nationwide campaign planned by female activists for later this month, witnesses said. A video posted on social networks this week shows a fully veiled woman driving in Riyadh as male motorists and … Read more

Inspirational Muslim Women of Dhul Hijjah

Muslim women were making the news during the most blessed days of this month. Meaghan Seymour rounds up the best stories. In the days leading up to Eid ul-Adha, many articles were circulated on the Internet by those hoping to remind and inspire Muslims to commit extra good deeds during the blessed first days of Dhul Hijjah, … Read more