[state] state, gender, identity

Pakistan: Pakistani authorities have banned the satirical stage play "Burqavaganza" after Islamist MPs raised the issue in parliament.

The Ajoka Theatre company staged a satirical play, "Burqavaganza", in Lahore earlier this month using the image of the burqa as a metaphor for the double standards which exist in contemporary Pakistani society. Following protests from Islamist politicians, the play has now been banned.

Italy: Italy asks Muslim groups to join ‘values charter’

Italy’s interior ministry has published a “values charter” for religious minorities that promotes integration while shunning polygamy and the wearing of face-concealing veils.

Saudi Arabia: Forum on the role of women suggests that empowerment is the key to future economic prosperity

At a recent forum looking at the role of Saudi women in the year 2020, the discussions were candid, the potential was exciting and the reality often disturbing.

Canada: Canada fête le 25è anniversaire de sa charte des droits

Le Canada fête le 25e anniversaire de sa charte des droits, un texte phare qui a ouvert la voie à l'avortement et au mariage gay, mais aussi à la reconnaissance d'une pléthore de droits religieux en raison de l'immigration récente en pleine ascension.

Grande-Bretagne: 74% des musulmans résidant à Londres se déclarent loyaux envers la Grande-Bretagne

Pakistan: Alleged brothel owner abducted by female Islamists

In an apparent anti-vice crackdown, Islamist students took the law into their own hands and abducted an alleged brothel owner along with her daughter, daughter-in-law and infant granddaughter.

Israel-Syria: Druze bride cannot return to Golan Heights after her marriage

Since the late 1980s, Israel and Syria have allowed a small number of Golan Druze to cross the frontier on religious pilgrimages or to study. Women can also cross in both directions to get married - but they cannot cross back.

Maroc: Etat des lieux de la presse féminine marocaine

La presse féminine marocaine est en plein essor.

WSF: The rise of fundamentalism and the role of the ‘state’ in the specific political context of Palestine

India: Gujarat 2006 - women & children in Modi's regime

Women have been special targets of communalist ideology and communalist violence.