Pope John Paul II paid tribute to female "genius" Wednesday as Kuwaiti women argued in court for the right to vote on International Women's Day. Human rights activists, however, said little had been done to advance women's rights around the world.

In Afghanistan, where women are barred from work and schools for girls are closed, the Islamic Taliban militia held a ceremony for women at a hospital. In Kuwait, a group of women challenged legislation that denies them the right to vote or run for public office.