This book covers a wide range of women’s issues, including their health, education, safety and security. Chapter 1 looks at improving the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. Chapter 2 examines whether and how U.S. trade preference programs protect or promote women’s rights and economic interests. Chapter 3 reports on child marriage and the devastating impact it has on girls. Women’s meaningful participation and leadership in political and civil life and empowering them to play key roles in decision-making and peace processes are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5. Chapters 6 and 7 examine the nature and extent of women’s involvement in violent extremism and peacemaking in contemporary Afghanistan. Chapter 8 provides background and data on key issues regarding women in the MENA region and describes selected ways in which Congress has engaged on issues such as women’s legal rights, economic participation, and political representation; the humanitarian impact of conflict and displacement on women; women’s inclusion in conflict resolution and peace processes; violence against women; and women’s roles in perpetuating and combatting violent extremism.