Women in the Arab world

Women in the Arab world have played different and changing roles, depending on the time period, the regional area, their social status. Differences in history, tradition, social structure and religion in different Arab countries have also largely reflected on the role of women within them. Indeed, the preferred definition of the Arab World refers to the 22 member countries of the League of the Arab States, but this includes countries that differ in economic development, demography, political stability, history of conflict or war.

Historically, women in the Arab world have played important roles in their societies, including as mothers, educators, and community leaders. The role of Islam in shaping women's role is the object of debate: while traditional discourse has seen Islamic societies as patriarchal and repressive of women, more and more literature today proposes a different perspective. Highlighting improvements in women's position in Arabic societies before and after Islam and looking at Islam's early reforms towards women, this school of thought ascribes low levels of Arab women's participation in society to a variety of other factors. Also, discussing impact of Islam on gender relations must acknowledge the diversity of principles and rules depending on the different Madhahib within Islamic Jurisprudence.

Since the 19th century, and notably through the influence of colonization and decolonization processes in North Africa, the Arab Renaissance in Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, and the end of the Ottoman Empire, the social and economic changes in the Arab world have become greatly accelerated and diversified.

In the Maghreb countries, influenced by the Sunni Maliki tradition, recent political and legislative commitments have been taken to boost women's empowerment. Tunisia's 2014 Constitution is particularly favorable to women and all countries provide for formally equal access to the labour market. However, the Gender Gap Reports show limited progress in women's political and economic participation. Furthermore, while public rights are at least formally granted, relations between men and women in the private sphere remain particularly unfavorable towards women. Furthermore, challenges remain regarding sexual violence and female genital mutilation practices. The Mashreq countries account today for the lowest female participation rates in the world. However, literacy rates have rapidly improved in the whole region, and legal reforms have enhanced women's rights in divorce, children custody and financial independence, especially in the Gulf countries.

Overall, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of women's empowerment for social and economic development, as also highlighted by the UN Arab Development Reports. Challenges and disparities still persist. In some conservative areas, traditional norms and customs continue to limit women's autonomy and opportunities. Gender-based discrimination and violence remain issues that need to be addressed. Women's political representation varies across the region, with some countries having a greater number of women in decision-making positions than others. Efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment are ongoing, and various organizations and activists within the region are working to address these challenges and bring about positive change for women in the Arab world.