Italy

They may have hoped for a better life in a rich European country, but many Muslim women migrating to Italy suffer abuse by their husbands and live isolated from the rest of society, a Muslim feminist leader says.

Despite boasting a higher rate of education, Italian womenhave long lagged their male counterparts in politics. Just over 17 percent of seats in the lower house of parliament and 14 percent in the upper house are held by women.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has reiterated his opposition to the so-called 'pink quota' of women in politics in a new book that comes out on Wednesday.