Women in China face tough choices when looking for love, Pakistan welcomes UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon, Muslim fashion is on the rise and there’s a new alternative for women in the US who want to get an abortion. Find out the latest in women’s issues.

FES fellow Isra Bhat

Smiling faces, warm gestures, a cool breeze and exquisite foliage welcomed me in this beautiful part of the world. As a stranger in general and a woman in particular, I had many inhibitions and apprehensions about the country I was visiting.

FES fellow Beenish Javed

I stepped out of the train at Bonn in Germany and a young woman, Manasi, was there to receive me. I was wondering if her car was big enough to carry my luggage, but she said that she had come on a bicycle.

Why am I asking this question? Am I really searching for an answer to this or am I asking myself something else. I may perhaps find the answer to this at a later stage if I am able to put my finger on the exact pulse of my wandering thoughts. I might or might not have that “Eureka” moment. Nevertheless,  I intend to try. Women Talk Online reader Rachel Bari writes.

Indian filmstar Madhuri Dixit is known for her roles portraying strong women who take on the patriarchal society in India.  Now, she is playing the lead role in a film called “Gulaab Gang,” a story about a gang of women vigilantes in North India.

Which themes made it to the headlines in South Asia this week? What books and films on women are making it big? Click on this blog to find out more and let us know if you think we missed out on some theme you think is really important.

A Pakistani TV programme gives away orphaned babies, a team of young women from India take the third place in a football competition in Spain and violence against civilians has increased in Afghanistan, the main targets being women and children. Read on to know which South Asian women’s themes made it to the headlines in the last few days.