Common Ground News Service

Repeal of Soccer Hijab Ban: ‘A Triumph’

Repeal of Soccer Hijab Ban: ‘A Triumph’

JENS JUUL PETERSEN, CGNEWS: It took a high profile campaign but the recently announced repeal of the hijab ban is wonderful news.

 Mich Cafe

Arab Spring: “Learn From Iran”, Says Ebadi

Arab Spring: “Learn From Iran”, Says Ebadi

MICH CAFE: When Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi speaks it is always worth listening. She has been reflecting on what the Arab Spring means to women

 The View From Fez

Amina’s Death: ‘A Stain on Morocco’s Conscience’

Amina’s Death: ‘A Stain on Morocco’s Conscience’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The rape and suicide of Amina El Filali has shaken Moroccan society to the core.

 Susan Al Shahri

The Positives of Being a Woman in Oman

The Positives of Being a Woman in Oman

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: While it’s been a mixed year for women globally there are many advantages to being a woman in Oman

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Choosing Your Child’s Name: The Responsibility

Choosing Your Child’s Name: The Responsibility

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Your child and those around her will be influenced by your choice of name.

 Rob L. Wagner

Arab Spring ‘Good For Women’? The Jury’s Out

Arab Spring ‘Good For Women’? The Jury’s Out

ROB L. WAGNER: They played a leading role in the early stages of the Arab Spring. But have women seen concrete benefits yet?

 Mich Cafe

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

MICH CAFE: Human Rights Watch have just published a report that highlights the deep discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.

 Rob L. Wagner

‘My Heart Says Stay, My Head Says Go Home’

‘My Heart Says Stay, My Head Says Go Home’

ROB L. WAGNER: Female students returning to Saudi Arabia from studies abroad are finding they have limited, restrictive options.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

The Beach Holiday: Finally, I’m A Convert

The Beach Holiday: Finally, I’m A Convert

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: I’ve never seen the point of sitting, doing nothing on a beach. Now I do.

 Abu Muhammed

Saudi Women Driving: A Counter View

Saudi Women Driving: A Counter View

ABU MUHAMMED: Opening the door to a situation without fully considering the consequences and preparing for them is likely to cause more harm than good.

 Common Ground News Service

Initiative ‘Offers Hope’ to Female Saudi Job Seekers

Initiative ‘Offers Hope’ to Female Saudi Job Seekers

LULUA ASAAD, CGNEWS: Here’s a shocking statistic – 60% of Saudi women with a Phd are unemployed. What’s to be done?

 James M. Dorsey

Saudi Condemned for Women’s Sport Restrictions – HRW

Saudi Condemned for Women’s Sport Restrictions – HRW

JAMES M. DORSEY: Saudi accused of kowtowing to conservative Muslim clerics who claim female sports are “steps of the devil” – Human Rights Watch.

 Tabsir

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

DANIEL M. VARISCO: The World Press Photo of the Year has been revealed. Is it the defining image of the ‘Arab Spring’?

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Back in Gear: Saudi Women Driver’s Campaign

Back in Gear: Saudi Women Driver’s Campaign

EMAN AL NAFJAN: There have been several significant developments this week in the campaign to allow women to drive in the Kingdom

 Ahmed-Al-Omran

Women Drivers in Saudi: A Shift in Strategy

Women Drivers in Saudi: A Shift in Strategy

AHMED AL OMRAN: It’s all been a bit quiet recently on the women-drivers front. There has, though, been an interesting development this week.

 Common Ground News Service

The Men Who Are Taking on Egypt’s Harassers

The Men Who Are Taking on Egypt’s Harassers

ALICE HACKMAN: Around 50 percent of the people who help to maintain ‘HarassMap’, a log of attacks on women in Cairo, are men.

 American Bedu

Western Women: The Perils of Marrying a Saudi Man

Western Women: The Perils of Marrying a Saudi Man

AMERICAN BEDU: It seems obvious but the main reason many Saudi men marry Westerners is because they’re not Saudi.

 James M. Dorsey

Saudi Women Get to Be Fans on the Stands With New Soccer Stadium

Saudi Women Get to Be Fans on the Stands With New Soccer Stadium

JAMES M. DORSEY: Saudi Arabia is building its first stadium especially designed to allow women who are currently barred from attending soccer matches…

 Common Ground News Service

AIDS In Egypt: A Movie Confronts the Issue Head On

AIDS In Egypt: A Movie Confronts the Issue Head On

RASHA DEWEDAR, CGNEWS: Asmaa, a newly released movie, portrays the life of a an Egyptian woman suffering from AIDS and deals sympathetically with her plight.

 Susan Al Shahri

Polygamy: It’s A Disaster For Women

Polygamy: It’s A Disaster For Women

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: Polygamy is still relatively common in Dhofar but I don’t know any woman enduring this situation who’s happy with their lot.