Women’s Issues in Eygpt Alannah Weaver

Laws against Women’s freedom Polygamy is only legal for men. A women has to have strong reasoning to divorce her husband, must convince the court, and the judge can deny her request. In 2000, a new law was introduced where women can file for divorce on no grounds, but has to give her financial rights her husband the money he had spent on her while married. Can only inherit half of what men inherit. A muslim man can marry a non-muslim, but a muslim woman cannot marry a non- muslim man.

Laws Pertaining to Adultery A married women will be charged with adultery if the crime is committed anywhere, whereas a man can only be charged if it is in his marital house. Sentencing for adultery for a man is 6 months, but woman is 2 years imprisonment. If both are unmarried, and the female is over 18, she can face charges of prostitution. If a man catches his wife committing the crime of adultery and murdered both his wife and the man, he will not face intentional murder charges or manslaughter and will only get a 24 hour sentence. If a wife catches her husband and murders him, she immediately faces maximum murder charges.

Lack of Reproductive Rights Spousal rape is not recognized. Abortion is illegal unless there's a risk to the mother's life and it has to be with husbands consent. There is no set minimum age for marriage. In April 2013, a UN report stated 93.9% of women and young girls had been subjected to sexual harassment. After holding a march demanding an end to sexual harassment, a mob of hundreds of men assaulted the women in order to trample on their pro-democracy protest movement.

Domestic Violence Nearly half of all women surveyed by the Ministry of Health reported they experienced a form of domestic violence. 47% of women ever married reported they have been victims of physical violence in their house. 45% say that have been a victim by a man other than their husband. The penalty of rape is 3-7 years of hard labor. If the victim is under 16 or the offender is the victim's guardian or supervisor, they will face legal maximum punishment.

Women in Education and Workforce Fortunately, women are shown to be as educated as the men. The attend primary and secondary schools at the same rate as men, as well as outscore them in international tests of math and science. 43% of women are employed in farming, fishing, and hunting occupations 23% are employed in professional occupation