Women

Women

Women’s ability to participate fully and equally in political, social, economic, and cultural life can help spur economic growth, drive innovation, and ensure greater equity. Female representation in the highest levels of political and business leadership is still poor in many world democracies. Women across all segments of society face significant barriers to success. Removing these obstacles and empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders can have a transformative impact on economies and societies. 

Recent analysis

Asat joins PRI’s The World to discuss China’s war against the Uyghurs

MENASource Apr 8, 2025

Legalizing child marriage in Iraq: Stepping back from the brink

By Sareta Ashraph

While there have been some elements of relief that the Iraq parliament has pulled back from legalizing child marriage, the situation remains dynamic.
Iraq Middle East
Asat joins PRI’s The World to discuss China’s war against the Uyghurs

AfricaSource Mar 17, 2025

This Women’s History Month, focus on African women’s achievements, not just their challenges

By Rama Yade

African women deserve recognition not just for the indignities they face, but for the heights they achieve.
Africa Resilience & Society
Asat joins PRI’s The World to discuss China’s war against the Uyghurs

MENASource Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Syria

Programs

The MENA Futures Lab at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East is shaping solutions to empower entrepreneurs, women, and youth and building coalitions of public and private partnerships to drive regional economic integration, prosperity, and job creation.

Learn more

Events

Public Event Mon, April 14, 2025 • 4:00 pm ET

Book launch of “Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War”
Human Rights Nationalism Resilience Resilience & Society
Public Event Tue, February 18, 2025 • 11:00 am ET

The role of AI in transforming Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape
Economy & Business Entrepreneurship Middle East Technology & Innovation
Online Event Tue, January 28, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Innovating for good: Jordan’s impact-driven startups
Artificial Intelligence Civil Society Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

Content

In the News

Sep 8, 2021

Asat joins PRI’s The World to discuss China’s war against the Uyghurs

By Atlantic Council

China Human Rights

SouthAsiaSource

Aug 30, 2021

A moral consideration of the Taliban’s legitimacy

By Nilofar Sakhi

After the collapse of Ashraf Ghani's government and the return of Taliban, the country faces multiple challenges including humanitarian crisis and Taliban legitimacy. The international community should use aid as a leverage to pressure Taliban to form an inclusive government and address humanitarian issues.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 25, 2021

Nilofar Sakhi among the “leading Advocates for Women Call on Biden Administration: “Do Not Abandon Afghan Women and Girls.”

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 25, 2021

Nilofar Sakhi on USA Today said that “she’s received daily calls from panicked women in tears looking for assistance in fleeing the country.”

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 20, 2021

Kohistany featured in “Smart Women, Smart Power” on Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, impact on women and girls

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Lyla Kohistany joins CSIS's "Smart Women, Smart Power" podcast to discuss "Afghanistan: Bullets, Backlash, Blame Games, Women & Girls."

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 20, 2021

Hu quoted in CNN on the humanitarian response in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Evanna Hu speaks with CNN on the humanitarian response in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 17, 2021

Alam quoted in the Media Line: Taliban Say Won’t Take Revenge, Women’s Rights Respected

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

Experts react

Aug 15, 2021

Experts react: The Taliban has taken Kabul. Now what?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts, many of whom have spent many years in the trenches on Afghanistan policy, weigh in on the fall of Kabul.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2021

Here’s what we’re reading this summer

By Andrew R. Marshall

Even in the depths of summer, our deeply thoughtful (and widely read) staff at the Atlantic Council keep their mental gears churning. Here are some summer reading suggestions from us for the beach, mountains, or backyard.

Civil Society Education

Interview

Aug 5, 2021

Interview with Monera Yousufzada, former Afghan deputy minister of defense

By Fariba Pajooh

Munira Yousefzada, former Afghan deputy minister of defense, joins Fariba Pajooh for an interview about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the peace process.

Afghanistan Human Rights
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Experts

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Mika Abdullaeva

Senior Advisor, Department of State

Central Asia Resilience & Society

Fellow

Gbemisola Abudu

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hanaa Almoaibed

Nonresident senior fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Shahira Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Economy & Business
Ana Arriagada

Staff

Ana Arriagada

Assistant Director, Latin America

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Civil Society

Staff

Jenna Ben-Yehuda

Executive Vice President

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
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