On International Women's Day, Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) reaffirms its dedication to defending women's rights and fighting against all forms of gender-based violence throughout the Arab world.

This mission is particularly vital in areas affected by military and political conflict, where women endure heightened oppression and systemic violations. Reports from global and local sources indicate a troubling increase in violence against women across several Arab countries, encompassing various forms of abuse—be it familial, institutional, economic, or societal. Women face physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence, while inadequate legal protections and systemic impunity allow these violations to continue. Since the onset of conflict in Yemen, women and girls have confronted worsening challenges, with approximately 4.5 million people displaced, and women and children comprising 75% of those affected.

Women head 26% of displaced families, often without resources or legal protection. Child marriage has surged, with nearly two-thirds of girls marrying before 18, depriving them of education and autonomy. The enforcement of the "mahram" system in some areas has further restricted women’s movement and employment. Domestic violence has worsened amid the absence of deterrent laws, while online harassment and blackmail have surged, making digital spaces increasingly unsafe for women. Urgent action is needed to protect Yemeni women from systemic violence and discrimination.

Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, Sudanese women have faced catastrophic conditions, with sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, used as a weapon of war. The Rapid Support Forces and its militias have targeted girls and women aged 8 to 75, terrorizing communities. In rural areas, women endure forced marriage and gang rape, compounded by the absence of health services and psychological support. Reports also indicate the recruitment of women into military training camps under groups like the “Black Army.” Amidst these atrocities, women-led initiatives such as “No to Women’s Oppression” are documenting violations and advocating for women’s rights. Urgent international intervention is needed to protect Sudanese women and hold perpetrators accountable. Saudi Arabia has made progress in protecting women’s rights, notably with the 2013 Protection from Abuse Law to combat domestic violence and the establishment of shelters and hotlines for survivors. However, significant challenges remain.

A 2018 national survey found that 46% of Saudis believe violence against women is widespread, with psychological abuse being the most common at 46.5%. Husbands are responsible for 73% of cases, and 83% of incidents occur within the home. Alarmingly, 50% of society is unaware of laws protecting women, and 61% do not know where to report abuse. Addressing these issues requires greater community awareness and the effective enforcement of laws to ensure women's protection from all forms of violence.

Since President Kais Saied’s exceptional measures in July 2021, women's rights in Tunisia have faced growing challenges. The 2022 electoral law amendment led to a decline in women’s representation in elected councils, limiting their political participation. Although Tunisia has had a comprehensive law against violence since 2017, its weak enforcement and lack of resources have hindered effective protection. In 2021, 69,000 complaints of violence against women were recorded, with many more cases likely unreported. Meanwhile, hate and misinformation campaigns targeting feminist activists have escalated online, threatening democratic gains. In this tense political and social climate, the feminist movement continues its struggle to defend women’s rights.

Women in the Gaza Strip are facing dire humanitarian conditions due to the Israeli war, with a significant proportion of the victims being women and children. As of March 2025, human rights reports reveal that 12,316 women have lost their lives among a total of 48,346 martyrs, and 111,759 women have sustained injuries, highlighting their vulnerability in the conflict. The situation has been worsened by mass displacement, with two million people forced to flee their homes—half of whom are women. Consequently, the number of widows has surged to 13,901, many of whom are now the primary breadwinners for their families amid a severe economic and humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing violent conflict has left 46,300 pregnant women facing severe hunger, while 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women struggle to obtain essential healthcare due to the collapse of the health system and the lack of basic medical services, jeopardizing their lives and those of their children. Overcrowded displacement camps have intensified these challenges, with insufficient privacy and hygiene facilities, forcing women to rely on inadequate health resources and limited access to clean water and sanitation, which heightens the risk of disease. Moreover, human rights reports have highlighted serious violations, including incidents of sexual violence against detained women, exposing them to additional trauma. In light of these desperate conditions, there are increasing calls for the international community and humanitarian organizations to take immediate action to provide healthcare, food assistance, safe shelter, and legal protection for women in Gaza.

Since the conflict began in Syria in 2011, the ousted regime has resorted to extreme violence and arbitrary detentions to suppress opposition. Peaceful protests were met with lethal force, escalating tensions and transforming the revolution into armed conflict. Over the past decade, countless civilians have experienced arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, with many subjected to torture—including sexual violence—or dying in custody. United Nations reports indicate that these arrests and disappearances have become key tools for stifling dissent in Syria. It is estimated that regime forces have detained at least 1.2 million Syrians, employing 72 different methods of torture across more than 50 prisons and detention centers. These actions highlight the systematic violations perpetrated by security forces to instill fear and maintain control over the population. Such practices reflect the regime’s strategy of consolidating its power through relentless repression, resulting in widespread human suffering and further exacerbating the Syrian crisis.

Legal Shortcomings and Ongoing Impunity

While there has been some legislative advancement in certain Arab nations, such as Tunisia's 2017 law aimed at eradicating violence against women, the implementation remains insufficient. Many existing laws fail to offer adequate protection for women against violence. Countries like Egypt, Sudan, and Gaza still lack comprehensive legislation to address domestic violence. Legal barriers to holding offenders accountable are prevalent, including ineffective enforcement mechanisms, inadequate victim protections, and enduring social norms that perpetuate a culture of impunity.

Obligations of Arab Governments Under International Law

The Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) underscores that Arab states are bound by international agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), to provide legal safeguards for women and create an environment devoid of violence and discrimination. Additionally, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security mandates that states implement measures to protect women in armed conflict, a commitment that remains unfulfilled in regions like Gaza, Iraq, and Sudan.

In light of the aforementioned, WJWC urges Arab governments, along with regional and international organizations, to take decisive action in addressing violence against women. First and foremost, there is a pressing need for legislative reform. This involves the swift adoption and implementation of comprehensive national laws that criminalize all forms of violence against women, aligning these laws with established international standards.

Equally important is the establishment of effective law enforcement mechanisms. Specialized units should be created to investigate cases of violence against women, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable without exception. Alongside this, it is crucial to provide robust support and protection for victims. This includes the creation of shelters and the provision of psychological and legal support services for survivors, with an emphasis on ensuring their easy access without facing social or legal barriers.

Moreover, protecting women in conflict zones is vital. Governments must take measures to safeguard women in areas affected by armed conflict, particularly in regions such as Gaza, Iraq, and Sudan, and ensure safe passages for survivors seeking refuge. Economically empowering women is another critical step. By enhancing employment opportunities and supporting their economic independence, we can significantly reduce their vulnerability to economic and societal violence.

Finally, launching community awareness campaigns is essential for fostering a culture of rights. There should be efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of violence against women through various channels, including media, education, and curriculum development.

In conclusion, the ongoing violence against women in the Arab world poses a grave threat to human rights and sustainable development. On International Women’s Day, Women Journalists Without Chains emphasizes the urgent need for Arab governments to fulfill their legal and humanitarian responsibilities toward women. It is imperative that they take substantial and concrete actions to create a safe environment that honors women’s dignity and rights.