Global Politics - The Persistent

World

'When Wars Happen, Human Rights Are the First Casualties': Will the War Undo Years of Progress by Iranian Women?

What does the bombing of Iran mean for Iranian women? The British-Iranian peace advocate Sanam Naraghi Anderlini asks if it could destroy years of work to improve their lives.

World

UN Warns of ‘Deadly Triple Crisis’ for Women and Girls in Ukraine

It's been four years Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The country is facing repeated attacks energy infrastructure and collapsing funding for women-led and women’s rights organizations.

Black and white photo of an old hospital nursery, with newborns in little bassinets arranged in rows.

Reproductive Rights

'It Is Time to Reflect On Whether Or Not to Have a Child'—Oh, Boy.

In its efforts to combat infertility, France is missing the point. That's because a decision to have a child isn't just a medical issue, it's a social one, too.

World

In Afghanistan, Abusing Animals Now Carries a Stronger Penalty Than Abusing Women

The Taliban’s criminal code, introduced at the start of this year, marks a new low for women.

World

The Rich Keep Getting Richer—Just in Time for Davos

Billionaire wealth hit a historic high in 2025, with male tech executives leading the way.

Violence Against Women and Girls

'Every 10 Minutes'—Research Shows Harrowing Rates of Femicide Around the World

Last year, 137 women and girls were killed by an intimate partner or family member every day, according to new UN data

Two women sit cross-legged on steps, holding an Afghan flag. Behind them, women wear face masks to symbolize their silencing

World

Afghan Women Are Speaking Out. Is the World Finally Listening?

Afghan women gave testimony about the human rights abuses they have experienced. To Afghan women and girls who feel forgotten, that in itself is a message of hope.

Equality

Global Equality for Women and Girls is Grim. What Are We Doing About It?

In 2015, the U.N. established sweeping gender goals. Ten years on, they’re not even close to being met.

Angela Raynor steps out of a black car wearing a cream jacket and bright green trousers. She is wearing sunglasses.

Global Politics

The Hounding of Britain's Deputy Prime Minister was Sexist and Classist

Angela Rayner, Britain’s outspoken deputy prime minister, resigned last week after a media campaign against her. A reminder that some will pay the price while others get off scot-free. It depends on who you are.

A women with a covered face and a baby on her knee is surrounded by rubble and other survivors.

World

In the Aftermath of a Devastating Earthquake, Afghan Women Struggle to Get Help…Because They’re Women

Taliban restrictions have made women medics a rarity, putting women’s health, care and survival at serious risk.

An artist's rendering of Angela Merkel. She is shown against a blue patterned background and wears a blue blazer.

Great Women

My Reluctant Feminist Hero

In a world in which wealth and opulence seem to beget political power, I long for a leader with un-showy discipline. I can’t help thinking of Angela Merkel.

A grainy black and white photo of a veiled Afghan woman is covered with brightly-colored Post-It notes.

World

When Dreams Are Put On Hold

In Afghanistan, women's blocked opportunities to have a career, contribute to society and earn a living are creating a mental health crisis.

Global Politics

Women Are Syria’s Best Hope for Lasting Peace. Will They Be Heard?

For years, Syrian women have fought to be heard in international negotiations. They aren’t about to give up ground now.

Watercolor showing Gisele Pelicot, with short auburn hair, wearing a patterned scarf, blue striped shirt and black blazer.

France

As the Trial of ‘Mr. Every Man’ Draws to a Close, France Debates ‘Intent’ vs. ‘Consent’

The Pelicot trial pits the notion of intent against the concept of consent. The outcome could alter how these kinds of cases are handled in the future.

A drawing shows a group of women protesting with signs and candles. One woman holds a microphone.

World

‘If We Don’t, Who Will?’—How Women in Afghanistan Are Speaking Out

It is dangerous to protest in Afghanistan. But it is also dangerous to be a woman. That’s what keeps Afghan women speaking out in whatever ways they can.

Claudia Sheinbaum waves from the window of a car. She is smiling broadly.

Global Politics

How Do Feminists Feel About Mexico's New President? It's Complicated.

Is Mexico's new president good for women? It depends who you ask.