Laws & Rules That Discriminate Against Women

America is far from a perfect country, but for women, it’s certainly one of the best. Outside the states in a handful of countries, women’s rights are limited and sometimes void altogether. Women are treated as lesser than their male counterparts and often, left voiceless. American women raise families, work 9 to 5 jobs, play sports, drive cars, and dress up when they want to look and feel good, rights women in some countries outside the U.S. may not be able to do. In fact, in some countries, women can go to jail for simple acts such as traveling alone or showing affection in public spaces.

Public Display of Affection

In countries like Thailand, South Korea, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and several others, public display of affection is frowned upon, whether due to cultural beliefs, religion, or social respect. Showing affection in public, even something minor such as holding hands, can result in a woman's arrest.

Rape Isn't Considered Rape

A pretty shocking fact is that several countries do not consider non-consensual sex an act of 'rape' if the couple is married.

In India, for example, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states marital rape occurs only when there is "non-consensual intercourse with a wife who is aged between 12 and 15 years." Section 375 of the IPC states that "sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under fifteen years of age, is not rape."

Political Involvement

Women in countries like Syria, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan cannot engage in political discussions or decisions. In some areas of Pakistan, women are banned from voting in political elections.

Forced & Arranged Marriages

Forced or arranged marriage occurs when one or both persons in the marriage do not marry of their own choice and free will. American women are free to pick their partner, although, in forced marriages, the parents or close family members pick her suitor. Countries that engage in forced and arranged marriages include Southeast Asia, India, Sudan, Egypt, and several others.

Divorce is Next to Impossible in Some Countries

American women know divorce can be a real headache, one that costs them thousands of dollars and endless amounts of their time, although ultimately, they regain their freedom as single ladies. Women outside the U.S. may not have such freedom, as divorce is not permissible without authorization from the husband in countries like Yemen, Maldives, and Saudia Arabia.

Further disturbing, men in these countries often attack their wives with acid, leading to disfigurement, if they ask for a divorce. Many women remain married to abusive partners simply because staying is safer than leaving.

She Can’t Wear The Clothing of Her Choice

How would you like to be told what you can and cannot wear inside and outside of your home? American women may find themselves adhering to a dress code at church, work, or select other locations, but generally wear the clothing of their choice In North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and several other countries, women must maintain conservative dress that adheres to their religious and cultural beliefs.

She Wants to Hold Down a Job

Women entered the workforce in the 19th century, although could work in limited industries, as men still believed their place was in the home taking care of chores and children.

After the First World War, this changed as women needed a means of supporting their families while their husbands fought in the war. Women fought a long battle simply for the right to earn money and still, today, fight to earn the same pay for performing the same jobs as men.

Across the borders, women in countries such as Qatar, North Korea, Pakistan, Yemen, and many others are not allowed to hold jobs. Instead, they take care of the kids and house while their male partner earns money.

Women Cannot Travel Alone

Traveling alone is dangerous in any country, city, or state in the world, although in America, we can implement a few safety precautions and travel solo whenever we choose. Women do not receive the same freedom in many countries, where traveling alone is forbidden or frowned upon.

In Saudi Arabia, women need a male escort, traditionally a relative, to travel outside their homes. In Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and several other countries, women are advised against traveling without a male relative.

Women Cannot be in the Same Space as Men in Public Areas

Laws separating men from women exist in several countries. Penalties for walking or standing in a public space with a man can result in her arrest. Gender separation happens due to cultural, religious, and societal norms in countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

In Saudia Arabia, there is strict gender separation in schools, workplaces, and on public transportation. There are separate entrances for men and women in many public spaces.

In Afghanistan, women and men are separated in public and women’s movement is heavily monitored and restricted.