Across the world, from Afghanistan to Iraq to the United States, women’s basic rights are increasingly under threat due to regressive policies.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s resurgence since 2021 has drastically curtailed women's freedoms, implementing severe restrictions including a ban on women speaking publicly, attending universities, or working outside the home.

The Taliban's rigid interpretation of Islamic law has further marginalized Afghan women, drawing international condemnation and earning the label of 'gender apartheid.'

In Iraq, a proposal to amend the personal status law seeks to lower the marriage age to nine, raising concerns about legalized child marriage and diminished rights for women regarding divorce and inheritance.

This, amid already high rates of underage marriage, poses significant challenges for women’s legal protection and gender equality.

In the United States, abortion rights have faced significant setbacks following the 2022 overturning of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court, leading to numerous states enacting harsh restrictions or outright bans.

This regression has intensified debates over women's autonomy and rights, amid broader concerns of rising sexual violence and inequality.

These global developments underscore the fragility of women’s rights and highlight a disturbing pattern of regression, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and international attention to uphold gender equality.