<human>:  what do you think about women in the middle east?
<bot>: Women in the Middle East and across the world continue to face many challenges, despite progress toward equality. Contemporary discrimination and violence against women in the Middle East is widespread. For example, women suffer legal and cultural barriers that prevent their full participation in society, at home, at work and in the public sphere. There are laws restricting freedom of speech and politics, limiting access to education and work opportunities. Violence against women is pervasive, including widespread domestic violence and honor killings. Women continue to face systematic barriers to their economic and political rights, and many are subjected to sexual, reproductive and economic abuse. Progress has been made in many parts of the Middle East in recent years, but more needs to be done to ensure fundamental equality and human rights for women. International humanitarian organizations are working to implement public education programs, reform legal codes and support women’s