Columns

This week, Muslim women are prevented from skating at a roller rink, a Meccan religious leader says that there is no need for women to cover their faces, Malaysia launches an all-women’s bus service, and Muslim women oppose a new divorce ruling in India.

This week, female-only pool time continues to be debated, Muslim women athletes at the Asian Games are celebrated, Pope Benedict criticizes the French niqab ban and an Australian Muslim woman competes for a kickboxing title.

This week, American Muslim women’s health care needs are highlighted, Gulf courts come down hard on a woman and her boyfriend, a British politician makes light of a Muslim journalist’s life, and Daisy Khan is profiled.

This week, Michelle Obama’s handshake with an Indonesian minister creates a stir, the UN rejects Iran’s bid for a seat on a Women’s rights board, the influence of Syrian soap operas is explored, and a study finds Muslim women are uncomfortable with male physicians.

This week, a new documentary ‘Sex Talk’ claims to provide a window into the sex lives of ordinary Egyptians, and Saudi Arabia’s authorization of female cashiers is met with a fatwa by its top clerics opposing the government’s decision.