Women & Girls

competitive camel racers pose for a picture with their camels

Women's camel racing team takes an ancient sport back to the future

Camel racing is an ancient sport. There are records of races on the Arabian Peninsula that date back to the 7th century. These days, it's still hugely popular, with robot jockeys and cash prizes. But a new team is taking camel racing back to its roots — with a twist.

Women's camel racing team takes an ancient sport back to the future
Nathalie Vilgrain, sixth from left, is the head of Marijàn, a feminist organization in Port-Au-Prince that is sheltering about 150 women who have been displaced by sexual violence.

In Haiti, sexual violence is devastating women and girls

In Haiti, sexual violence is devastating women and girls
Brett Griffin Young with his partner and three children.

Surrogacy advocates fear pope’s position will create stigma

Surrogacy advocates fear pope’s position will create stigma
The site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

Rape is ‘the most neglected war crime,’ sexual violence expert says

Rape is ‘the most neglected war crime,’ sexual violence expert says
A pink sign in the forefront of a largely female crowd that reads in Spanish "Swiftie No Vota Milei"

In Argentina, ‘Swifties Don’t Vote For Milei’

In Argentina, ‘Swifties Don’t Vote For Milei’
Women in a small group holding signs with text written in Spanish

This tiny country is home to Europe’s toughest abortion ban

The micronation of Andorra, located in the mountains between Spain and France, takes a hard-line stance against abortion because its head-of-state is a Catholic bishop. But some Andorrans say it’s time for change.

This tiny country is home to Europe’s toughest abortion ban
Two girls holding paper signs that say "Education is our right"

Afghan student struggles with adjusting to life in the US

Many women saw no future for themselves in Afghanistan when the Taliban took over. So, when offered a chance to leave, many took it. Reporter Rebecca Rosman meets a young Afghan student. Unfortunately, her temporary status in the US is a constant shadow, as she can't go home again.

Afghan student struggles with adjusting to life in the US
Montserrat Abbey’s mixed Escoliana choir has young women and men. They’ll sing the liturgy one weekend a month, so that the regular all-boys choir can have some time off with family.

Spain all-boys choir finds a new tune and admits girls

After more than 700 uninterrupted years of boys-only belting, Spain’s La Escolania de Montserrat Choir is finally mixing things up. Beginning this September, a select group of girls will be allowed to join the boys at the altar, singing the liturgy at Saturday afternoon and Sunday masses. Choir organizers are calling it a revolution.

Spain all-boys choir finds a new tune and admits girls
portrait photo of a woman

'She is the evolution of reggaeton': The rise of trans Puerto Rican artist Villano Antillano

Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano is a leading voice in a new generation of LGBTQ artists subverting traditional gender norms in reggaeton and reclaiming the political roots of the genre.

'She is the evolution of reggaeton': The rise of trans Puerto Rican artist Villano Antillano
a black and white photo of apregnant woman holding her belly and wearing a large coat standing in front of a bridge

Motherhood and motherland: One woman’s pregnancy experience in Russia

Amie Ferris-Rotman, a global news editor for New Lines Magazine, wrote a personal essay about her experience being pregnant in Russia, where many citizens believe it is a woman’s patriotic duty to give birth and become a mother. She talked about it with The World's Marco Werman.

Motherhood and motherland: One woman’s pregnancy experience in Russia
Three women in red soccer uniforms holding their hands up with a trophy

Spain made history with Women's World Cup victory — despite team tensions

Supporters are hoping their win leads to greater equality in professional soccer.

Spain made history with Women's World Cup victory — despite team tensions
Women rush out of a train during peak hours at Churchgate station in Mumbai, India, Monday, March 20, 2023.

Indian women do less paid work. It’s bad news for the economy.

Across the world, higher economic growth has seen a rise in women’s employment, according to the United Nations. But India is bucking that trend, where educated women are working less in paid positions.

Indian women do less paid work. It’s bad news for the economy.
Women providing services within a beauty salon

'We are dead inside:’ Women in Afghanistan protest Taliban ban of beauty salons

The ban will come into effect in five days, leaving roughly 60,000 women out of work.

'We are dead inside:’ Women in Afghanistan protest Taliban ban of beauty salons
woman facing camera

A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.

Varzeshe Pahlavani is a mix of martial arts, wrestling and calisthenics. It has deep roots in Persian tradition going back centuries. The sport is officially closed off to women, but one female Iranian activist is trying to change that.

A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.
close-up shot of Honduran President Castro wearing a mask

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times

A year and a half into her administration, many say Xiomara Castro has yet to live up to expectations. But as Honduras’ first female president, those expectations are higher than usual. Much of the criticism against Castro comes from machismo and gender discrimination. She’s just one of two female heads of state of a Latin American country.

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times