Woman laws at United Arab Emirates
Women's rights in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have evolved over recent decades, marked by significant legal reforms and increasing female participation in various sectors. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning personal status laws, guardianship, and the treatment of migrant domestic workers.
Legal Framework and Constitutional Rights
The UAE Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of gender, encompassing access to education, employment, and social benefits. Women in the UAE enjoy the same constitutional rights as men, with access to education, jobs, social and health benefits, and holding government offices. The UAE has implemented a range of laws and decrees to ensure women have equal access to education, jobs, social benefits, health benefits, and tenure of government offices . (UAE women's rights, Women's rights in the UAE | The Official Portal of the UAE Government, Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment in the UAE | PCHR)
Family and Personal Status Laws
The UAE's Personal Status Law, based on Islamic principles, governs matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. While recent amendments have aimed to enhance women's rights, challenges remain. For instance, women must obtain permission from a male guardian to marry, and in some cases, to travel abroad . Additionally, a woman may lose her right to spousal maintenance if she leaves the marital home without lawful excuse . ([PDF] Women's Rights in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - FIDH, World Report 2024: United Arab Emirates | Human Rights Watch)
Domestic Violence and Protection Laws
In 2019, the UAE enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 10 concerning Protection from Domestic Violence, criminalizing various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. Offenders may face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to AED 5,000. The law also allows for the issuance of protection orders to safeguard victims . (Women in the United Arab Emirates)
Employment and Economic Rights
The UAE has introduced measures to promote gender equality in the workplace. In 2018, a Cabinet Decree endorsed legislation ensuring equal pay for men and women in the public sector, which was extended to the private sector in 2020 . Women are also entitled to 45 days of paid maternity leave and an additional hour per day for breastfeeding upon returning to work . (Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment in the UAE | PCHR, Women in the United Arab Emirates)
Political Representation and Leadership
The UAE has made strides in increasing women's representation in politics. In 2019, the Federal National Council achieved gender parity, with women holding 50% of the seats. Additionally, women occupy approximately 30% of Cabinet positions, including roles in culture, youth affairs, and international cooperation . (Women in the United Arab Emirates)
Challenges for Migrant Domestic Workers
Despite legal reforms, migrant domestic workers, predominantly women from countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, continue to face significant challenges. Reports indicate issues such as passport confiscation, long working hours, physical abuse, and lack of access to healthcare. The kafala sponsorship system, which ties workers' residency to their employers, has been criticized for enabling exploitation and limiting workers' freedoms . (Women in the United Arab Emirates, 'Every day I cry': 50 women talk about life as a domestic worker under the Gulf's kafala system)
International Commitments and Observations
The UAE has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). However, Human Rights Watch notes that while the UAE has made important women's rights reforms, significant discrimination against women and girls remains. Laws still provide male guardian authority over women, and loopholes allow reduced sentences for men for killing a female relative . (Women's rights in the UAE | Expatica, UAE: Greater Progress Needed on Women's Rights)
Conclusion
While the UAE has implemented several legal reforms to enhance women's rights, challenges persist, particularly in areas governed by personal status laws and the treatment of migrant domestic workers. Continued efforts are needed to address these issues and ensure that women's rights are fully protected and upheld.
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