History

• Rich in culture and tradition, 22 countries, spread over the Middle East and North Africa, make up the Arab World. Despite women making up just under half of the population, until recent years they were seen as being the inferior sex.
  
  

Numbers

• Women in Arabian countries now have access to education. According to human rights campaigners Freedom House, there are twice as many women than men in formal education. Despite this, women are a minority in the work place, with very few females in political or government employment.
  
  

Considerations

• Freedom House believes that much remains to be done to achieve true equality for women in the Arab world. Laws regarding domestic violence, which currently is not classified as a crime, and child custody are all in need of updating. Education regarding contraception also needs improving.
  
  

Progress

• Much progress has been made in the last 15 years, with most Arabian countries, barring Saudi Arabia, now allow women to vote. The wearing of a veil is down to a woman's individual choice, as is covering her arms and legs. Women also have access to medical care and services without having to obtain the consent of a male.