3 countries where sharia law is hardest on women

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From restrictions on education and employment to denying fundamental human rights, these countries [Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran] present a stark reality for millions of women.

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Nour Ghantous

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In Saudi Arabia, women's lives are closely monitored and regulated through the implementation of Sharia law.

Sharia law's impact on women's rights and freedoms varies across different countries due to varying interpretations and legal systems.

Despite some recent changes, Iranian women continue to face challenges related to hijab laws, including plans to use surveillance technology to identify those without hijabs, substantial fines, and the revocation of driver's licenses, passports, and internet access for non-compliance.

Afghan women are now barred from attending school, working outside the home, or engaging with NGOs, resulting in significant social, cultural, and educational barriers.

In Iran, the enforcement of Sharia law, including a male guardianship system, imposes significant restrictions on women's autonomy, affecting various aspects of their lives such as marriage, divorce, and travel.

An increasing number of Saudi women are being incarcerated, whether it's for not adhering to the abaya dress code, engaging in public dancing, expressing their opinions on social media, or even discussing topics like unemployment.

Some countries with Sharia law impose harsh restrictions on women, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, restricted healthcare access, and violations of fundamental human rights.

The mandatory hijab dress code in Iran has been a source of contention, with women facing fines, arrests, and imprisonment for non-compliance. Advocates for gender equality often face persecution.

The death of Iranian activist Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and tortured for wearing her hijab incorrectly, sparked widespread protests and led to the detention and deaths of hundreds of Iranians, including children.

Women in Afghanistan continue to face serious challenges such as forced and child marriages, honour killings, and various forms of violence, highlighting the urgent need for international advocacy and support to protect their rights and freedoms.

Despite the lifting of the driving ban for women in 2018, only 2 percent of Saudi women were driving two years later, reflecting limited progress in women's rights.

Afghan women faced a challenging period of recovery from Taliban rule between 2001 and 2021, but the situation deteriorated rapidly following the US troop withdrawal in 2021.

The Saudi Personal Status Law places significant constraints on women's personal decisions, obliging them to seek their male guardian's consent for essential matters like marriage, divorce, and child custody, while also linking a wife's financial support to her perceived obedience to her husband.

In some countries, Sharia law has been used to perpetuate gender inequality and restrict women's freedoms, as exemplified by the recent closure of women's beauty salons in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

In 2022, Saudi government institutionalized the male guardianship system through the enactment of the Personal Status Law, reinforcing deeply rooted cultural practices that restrict women's autonomy.

Since the Taliban regained power, Afghanistan's legal system has become deeply rooted in Islamic law, leading to severe restrictions on women's activities, including requirements for male accompaniment when outside their homes.

Sharia law governs various aspects of life in countries where it is implemented, including personal conduct, family matters, criminal law, and economic transactions.

Saudi recent reforms such as allowing women to obtain passports and work have been criticized as superficial by activists.

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2023

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FairPlanet

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Nour Ghantous

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In Saudi Arabia, women's lives are closely monitored and regulated through the implementation of Sharia law.

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Saudi recent reforms such as allowing women to obtain passports and work have been criticized as superficial by activists.

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