This publication forms part of a series of reports of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDF) on development, notably the potential and challenges of the women's empowerment process in the Arab world. The report describes the trends on development and human rights and it analyses the status of women in Arab societies, emphasizing the use of their skills and the resulting levels of well-being. It assesses the achievements and historical limits of the Arab women's movements bearing in mind cultural, religious, socioeconomic, legal and political aspects. The report also provides guidelines to strengthen the progress of women in the region.