Women’s Rights and Constitutional Implementation in the MENA Region: Challenges and Perspectives

The paper addresses some of the most relevant factors that may influence the process of implementation of the constitutional provisions on women's rights and gender equality in the Arab world. The paper focuses in particular on (1) the nature of the constitution, (2) the role played by the constitutional courts, (3) the ‘limitation clauses’, (4) international treaties and conventions on human rights, (5) women’s representation in elected institutions, and (6) the social, cultural, and religious context.