Woman laws at Algeria
Algeria has a mix of civil and Islamic (Sharia-influenced) laws that affect women's rights, and while there have been some reforms over the years, gender inequality still persists in several areas. Here’s a brief overview of key legal aspects regarding women’s rights in Algeria as of recent years:
1. Family Law (Code de la Famille)
Based on Islamic principles and governs marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.
Marriage: Women need a male guardian’s (wali) presence for marriage, although reforms have tried to give women more autonomy.
Polygamy: Still legal; a man can marry up to four wives with the consent of existing wives.
Divorce: Men can divorce unilaterally; women must go through courts and need valid reasons.
Child Custody: Usually granted to mothers until a certain age, but legal guardianship (decision-making power) often remains with the father.
2. Citizenship Laws
Women can pass Algerian nationality to their children and foreign spouses since the 2005 reform. This was a significant step towards gender equality.
3. Violence Against Women
Domestic violence was criminalized in 2015, with penalties for assaulting a spouse.
However, enforcement remains weak, and many women still hesitate to report abuse due to social stigma or fear of retaliation.
Marital rape is not explicitly criminalized.
4. Workplace and Economic Rights
Legally, women can work, own property, and start businesses.
In practice, many women face discrimination in hiring, lower wages, and social pressure not to work outside the home.
Female participation in the labor force is lower compared to men.
5. Political Rights
Women have the right to vote and run for office.
Algeria has implemented gender quotas, leading to higher representation of women in parliament.
In 2012, a law required political parties to include a minimum number of women candidates on their electoral lists.
6. Dress Code and Public Conduct
There is no legal obligation to wear the hijab, but social pressure exists in some areas.
Women can dress freely in urban areas, but rural or conservative regions may have stricter expectations.
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