The status of Arab women is the subject of much speculation, generalization, and stereotyping by those inside and outside the region. The paucity of objective, accessible information makes Arab women one of the least understood social groups. The aim of this book is to help correct misconceptions about Arab women by introducing systematic information for 21 Arab countries. Widely published international statistical data, mostly from the United Nations and the World Bank, were used for the comparisons. These datasets are compiled from country reports, national surveys, and aggregated smaller studies. They are by no means comprehensive or devoid of inaccuracies, however they remain the best available information at this time. The paucity of information on Arab countries in general, and Arab women in particular, made the task a challenge, and considerable determination and finesse were required in some instances. As stated in this book, further data collection must become a constant and collective effort at national, regional, and international levels
