In the aftermath of the 2007-08 post-election violence, the Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (Waki Commission) documented more than 900 sexual violence cases perpetrated by security agents and civilians against women, girls, men and boys.

In mid-January, Israel’s political parties finalized their lists for what will hopefully be the last general election for a while. A referendum on the future of Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, dogged by corruption charges, and on the prospect of West Bank annexation, this election—the third in the last year—could be among Israel’s most consequential.

The call for women to actively participate in politics has again yielded fruits as two women in Imo State have been declared winners in two out of three constituencies in which results have been announced in last weekend’s re-run/supplementary polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The results of the third, Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency were yet to be declared as at Monday morning.

The idea of creating a new media outlet focused on women came to Emily Ramshaw four years ago during her maternity leave. “But I was covered in spit-up and baby diapers, and I knew it was the wrong time,” she recalled.

Amidst all the gloomy news and dispiriting just-ins invading our feeds every day, it's quite nice to come across some uplifting stories, every now and then, that remind us that there are still things, however small, to rejoice over in Lebanon.

Lebanon unveiled a new government on January 22, 85 days after the resignation of prime minister Saad al-Hariri. Headed by Hassan Diab, it includes six female ministers, among them the defense minister, who has also been appointed deputy prime minister.

This is a first not only for Lebanon, but for the entire Arab world.