WILPF in MENA
العربية

Welcome to WILPF's MENA HUB

Looking for accessible and contextualised content to learn more about the feminist movement in the MENA region — from FPE, to disarmament, gender-based violence, and much more?

Here, you will find many feminist guides, knowledge tools, videos, and infographics on various feminist issues, available in English and Arabic.

This platform will be continuously updated with new resources developed with or through our partnerships in the region, or produced by WILPF’s programs and our regional partners.

Resources that reflect our
feminist narratives
by addressing different
regimes of oppression

WHAT’S NEW

Listen Now
Read now
Watch now
Visit now
New Toolkit
Workplace Safeguarding
in the MENA Context​
View Now
What are you interested in?
Refresh filter

MIFTAH

Report, Research

Israel’s Reproductive Genocide in the Gaza Strip
This study, conducted by MIFTAH, aims to shed light on one of the worst forms of violations against Palestinian women amid the on-going aggression, namely the “reproductive genocide”, committed by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza strip since October2023.
ENGLISH
العربية

WILPF

Article

Coming Home: Women’s Leadership in Syria’s Transformative Transition
Syrian feminist activist and journalist Alaa Al-Muhammad recounts how Syrian women are not only reclaiming their homeland but also redefining its future—with unwavering courage and determination.
ENGLISH

WILPF

Video

Wait A Minute — Let’s Talk About the Intersection of Climate, Gender and Armament
This episode explores the powerful intersections of the climate crisis, gender, and armament through compelling narratives from the MENA region. Moving beyond isolated challenges, it underlines the deeper structural systems—patriarchy, capitalism, colonialism, and militarism—that exacerbate the climate crisis and disproportionately burden women and marginalised communities.
ENGLISH
العربية

WILPF

Video

Wait A Minute: What about that Beijing Declaration?
On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, feminists and women’s rights activists from Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon reflect on its impact and efficiency, as well as that of multilateral systems more broadly. They spotlight a significant disconnect between international commitments and the lived realities of women in the Global South. They call for genuine reform and more effective implementation of international agreements, while also advocating for alternative, locally driven solutions that truly address the unique needs and contexts of their communities.
ENGLISH
العربية

WILPF

Analytical Blog, Report

Feminist Voices of Resistance: Deconstructing the Backlash Against Women’s Activism and Women’s Rights in MENA
Drawing on first-hand testimonies and regional dialogues, this report unpacks the deep-rooted, multifaceted backlash against women’s rights and feminist activism across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It examines the complex web of conflict dynamics and militarisation, political power plays, entrenched patriarchal norms, colonial ideologies and economic hardships that fuel the recurrent backlash. And significantly,the report celebrates the resilience and innovative strategies of women’s rights and feminist activists in their struggle for peace and justice.
ENGLISH

WILPF

Podcast

Political Is Personal Ep17 — Reclaiming Trust: Feminist Movements and the Future of International Spaces
Confidence in international mechanisms has dropped dramatically among feminist movements in the Middle East and North Africa. Repeated failures during crises and conflicts have revealed deep structural flaws in multilateral systems. In this episode, activists from Palestine, Tunisia and Syria discuss these challenges and explore practical and innovative ways to bring about change. Whether through internal reforms to make these systems more inclusive and accountable, or by creating new grassroots alternatives based on feminist values, the episode calls for a fresh vision of political work and global solidarity for feminist peace.
العربية
WILPF runs projects in several MENA countries
Group photo of WILPF's Syria partners

Syria

Group photo of WILPF's Syria partners
WILPF works closely with Syrian partners towards a feminist, peaceful and just solution to the ongoing conflict. Together, we support the non-violent grassroots movement for equality, freedom, and justice, promote the inclusion and security of women peace builders and their fair portrayal in the media, and leverage feminist perspectives on peace and security.
Read more
Women protesting in Egyptian street

Egypt

Women protesting in Egyptian street
In Egypt, WILPF seeks to create and sustain a feminist movement by advocating for equitable, just, and fair family laws for Egyptian women and girls. We also focus on building the capacity of grassroots organisations, activists, and community leaders, empowering women and marginalised groups in poor and remote areas, and elevating the voices of feminists in international fora.
Read more
Women holding Lebanese flag sit in front of a line of soldiers

Lebanon

Women holding Lebanese flag sit in front of a line of soldiers
Although Lebanese women and girls are often severely affected by the country’s longstanding conflict, they have little say in political decision-making.  WILPF is working with partners in Lebanon to enhance the inclusion of women in peace and stability processes, at the grassroots and institutional levels. Additionally, WILPF section in Lebanon currently focuses on assisting Syrian women living in refugee camps.
Read more
Palestinian woman confronts Israeli soldier

Palestine

Palestinian woman confronts Israeli soldier
WILPF works with partners in Palestine to address the causes and consequences of gender-based violence within the Palestinian community, and the gender-specific effects of the Israeli occupation. We seek to promote Palestinian women’s participation in the decision-making process, and a gender-sensitive peace and security agenda. Additionally, WILPF section in Palestine focuses on women’s role in elections, and women empowerment.
Read more
Six women standing in front of a UN building

Iraq

Six women standing in front of a UN building
Together with our partners in Baghdad and Kurdistan, WILPF is working on feminist analysis and action related to issues of security, peace, and gender justice in Iraq. We are also supporting efforts to increase women’s meaningful participation in decision- and peace-making processes at the local and international levels.
Read more

Yemen

In Yemen, WILPF is supporting its partners and the Yemeni women’s movement more broadly by ensuring their experiences and recommendations are reflected in the different tracks of the country’s ongoing peace process. Through this work, we are helping women in Yemen achieve a more inclusive peace process for a future of justice and security for all.
Read more

WHAT OUR PARTNERS HAVE TO SAY

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.”
NAME SURNAMEORGANISATION
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.”
NAME SURNAMEORGANISATION
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube

Bullying

Bullying is any abusive practice or behaviour directed by an individual or group of individuals towards another individual or group. Bullying can be considered a form of harassment that is more frequent and systematic. It aims not only to violate the receiving party, but also to belittle them. Bullying is characterised by being targeted at a person or group of people, while harassment need not be targeted.

  • Physical bullying
  • Verbal bullying
  • Indirect bullying
  • Intellectual bullying
  • Cyberbullying
  • Feminist bullying

Harassment

Harassment/Taharrush is a group of unwanted abusive practices that are threatening to the recipient by their very nature. Unlike bullying, harassment need not be targeted. It may take place directly or indirectly, so that it creates an atmosphere of distress, heaviness, and insecurity.

  • Physical harassment
  • Verbal harassment
  • Sexual harassment

Assault

Assault is any actual or attempted aggressive act that deliberately violates or threatens the physical space of an individual or group. It is often believed that assault is limited to direct physical violations only, but as a concept it also includes indirect infringement on personal space.

  • Sexual assault
  • Physical assault
  • Verbal assault

Exploitation

Exploitation occurs when a person or group of people uses their power, status, or positionality for personal benefit through the use of force, duress, violence, coercion, deceit, or trickery that causes direct or indirect harm to another person or group of people, or to public interest.

  • Sexual exploitation
  • Emotional exploitation
  • Exploitation of labour and economic resources

test 2

test 1