World
In Kitchens, Markets and Homes—A Resourceful Feminism Emerges in North Korea
Long before North Korea signaled its next leader might be female, its women were quietly making change.
World
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.
Violence Against Women and Girls
It’s Five Years Since the Murder of Sarah Everard. Has Anything Changed?
Recommendations to improve policing in the wake of Everard’s murder have yet to be implemented—meanwhile, for women, the world feels like a darker place.
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.
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
How Online Shopping Spurred a Sex-Toy Boom In India
Indian women are taking charge of their own pleasure, guided by online influencers and easier access to a wealth of new products.
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.
Violence Against Women and Girls
'Why Not Us?'—In France, Men Are Finally Speaking Out Against Violence
Gisèle Pelicot’s son David is encouraging more men to speak out against sexual violence. It's working.
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.
World
'There’s Always Something to Say'—Indian Women on Breaking Into the Rap World
Men might dominate the rap scene in India, but women there are taking the art form to new levels.
World
In Paris, I’m an American First, a Black Woman Second
At first, Paris appeared to be a city where race didn’t matter. But things weren’t all they seemed.
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
Sport
A Cricket Win So Major, It Could Change Sport in India Forever
'The journalist in me was elated, the woman in me felt validated'—The Persistent sits down with the sports reporter Rica Roy as she reflects on the significance of India’s women’s World Cup win.
Violence Against Women and Girls
France (Finally) Changes the Legal Definition of Rape to Include Consent
The definition defines consent as free and informed, specific, prior, and revocable. 'It cannot be inferred solely from the victim’s silence or lack of response.'
World
50 Years Ago, Icelandic Women Went on Strike. It Changed Everything.
They stopped cleaning and cooking; they stopped doing laundry and they stopped looking after their children. They’d had enough.
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.