The Arab League has published the first ever encyclopedia stating the legal position of women's rights in the region. The book called: “The Situation of Women in Arab Legislations”, was put together to serve as fundamental reference guide to the legal status of women in Arab countries. “The purpose of this book is to serve as a reference for any individual interested in the legal status of women in any of the Arab League member states,” according to the Women’s Unit of the Cairo-based Arab League. The idea was welcomed by the Egyptian National Council for Women which called the book an “an excellent step” in expanding women’s rights in Arab countries.