In Persian societies, a woman’s identity is often defined only in relation to their father or husband. Women can face devastating social challenges and a lack of rights. Now, the SAT-7 PARS program New Identity is helping Persian-speaking women discover and explore their true identities in Christ as beloved ones of God.

Fear and hopelessness are casting a shadow over the lives of people living in Afghanistan. SAT-7 PARS’ Afghan presenters, Pastor Shoaib Ebadi and Assistant Pastor Noorullah Noor, seek to speak light, hope, and peace into the darkness that people are experiencing in Afghanistan.

“Is this life? Is this humanity?” pleads Armineh*, a young Afghan girl, in a heartbreaking open letter sent to SAT-7 PARS. Living under the Taliban, Armineh speaks of how “this is the end of all my dreams” and calls for the world to hear her voice.

Zahra M. an Iranian journalist and social activist who recently travelled to Afghanistan was interviewed live on SAT-7 PARS program Insiders to raise awareness of the current situation of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Zahra’s words and our viewer’s testimonies are a stark reminder of the rights and freedom of girls being severely restricted in the country while the world marks International Day of the Girl Child today, on 11 October.

A SAT-7 women’s show host has made an impassioned call to Turkish authorities to protect women amid widespread outrage over the murder of a 27-year-old student.

Religious, gender, social and ethnic inequality are major concerns people deal with in the Middle East and North Arica. While the severity of the inequality may differ, these issues are prevalent across the region.

Melis* is a SAT-7 TÜRK team member. She ensures that viewers are kept up to date with Christian news from Turkey and abroad. She is also expecting her first baby. Here, Melis shares her insights as a soon-to-be mother.

SAT-7’s Communications Director, Mette Swartz, reflects on women’s rights and equality in the Middle East and North Africa. She cites a recent UN Women survey and discusses the role SAT-7 plays in creating a shift in the region.