This study was undertaken by the Center for Women (ECW) at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in the context of a regional programme to review progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action in the Arab region. This review comes at a time when the region stands at a major crossroads in the context of recent uprisings, political instability and protracted armed conflicts. This study uses detailed and current data to highlight the many developments that have taken place in recent years in relation to gender equality and the empowerment of women in the Arab region.The study also examines major remaining obstacles, persistent elements of discrimination, and the unprecedented challenges that the region is currently facing due to conflicts and their impact on women’s rights, safety, and conditions.