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

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about Iran one year after Mahsa Amini’s death

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
Twenty questions (and expert answers) about Iran one year after Mahsa Amini’s death

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
Twenty questions (and expert answers) about Iran one year after Mahsa Amini’s death

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.

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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

New Atlanticist

Sep 13, 2023

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about Iran one year after Mahsa Amini’s death

By Atlantic Council

A year after the twenty-two-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman died following her arrest by authorities, Iran has changed—and is still changing—in important ways.

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Aug 15, 2023

Arbit and Shalomov in The Diplomatic World: Women Will Be the Biggest Victims of Israel’s Judicial Reforms

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 14, 2023

Afghanistan’s next generation must rise above the Taliban’s ‘reality’

By Nasir Andisha

The Taliban are not and never were an acceptable alternative to a democratic state in a pluralistic society such as Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan Civil Society

In the News

Aug 3, 2023

Arbit and Shalomov in Foreign Policy: Women Will Be the Biggest Victims of Israel’s Judicial Reforms
Israel Middle East

In the News

Jul 31, 2023

Svetlova quoted in Newsroom Post wishing a full recovery for a Yazidi girl who reunited with her family after nine years under ISIS captivity

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 31, 2023

Empowering the future: The rising women workforce in Saudi Arabia’s private sector

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

Event recap on the empowering future of the workplace in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the private sector.

Economy & Business Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2023

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina: The sports world must get behind Ukraine’s cause

By Katherine Golden

“As a Ukrainian, I cannot be silent,” Svitolina said at an Atlantic Council Front Page event. “I want to scream everywhere I can and use my voice [to] the fullest.”

Conflict Security & Defense

Event Recap

Jul 24, 2023

Bridging the gender gap in venture capital

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

Event recap on the significance of venture funding for women entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 18, 2023

An overview of gender parity in Bahrain: Progress, challenges, and the path forward

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

A recap of the First Workshop in Bahrain

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Issue Brief

Jun 29, 2023

How to advance women’s rights in Afghanistan

By Roya Rahmani

Providing Afghan women with rights and opportunities must be at the top of the regional and global security agenda.

Afghanistan Civil Society
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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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