Is the empowerment of women in the Arab world still a long way off?

The role of women in the Middle East and North Africa region is still subject to social, political and religious tensions. What are the reasons and restrictions that hinder women’s participation in public life?

Despite the great difference in gender equality, many women strive to reduce this difference by demanding and defending women’s rights by enacting laws and participating in decision-making, or by raising awareness.

The episode welcomes Hajar Al-Sharif, a human rights activist, who is the first Libyan to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, who focuses her efforts on building peace and gender equality in Libya.

Tunisia is a pioneering example of the participation of Arab women: after the jasmine revolution, Tunisian women participated in the movement and in the claims, and participation in political and social life took place. The program’s camera travels to northern Tunisia and accompanies the youngest mayor elected in the country’s first municipal elections after the revolution.

The Extra TV program highlights unique human stories from our lives, which we experience and tell Arab youth, every week Tuesdays and Thursdays on BBC Arabic at 5.30pm GMT.

To watch previous BBC Extra episodes please visit this link