Woman laws at Yemen
Women's rights in Yemen are shaped by a complex interplay of legal frameworks, cultural norms, and political realities. The region's status remains unresolved, with sovereignty contested between the internationally recognized government and Houthi authorities, leading to a dual legal landscape.
⚖️ Legal Frameworks
Personal Status Law (1992)
The Personal Status Law governs matters of marriage and family relations in Yemen. Key provisions include: (Yemen - Campaign for Justice in Muslim Family Laws)
Marriage Consent: Article 23 requires express consent to marriage only if the woman has been previously married. For previously unmarried women, silence is sufficient to indicate consent, making them vulnerable to forced marriages. (Yemen - The Personal Status Act No. 20 of 1992 - Equality Now)
Divorce: Men have the unilateral right to divorce their wives without justification, whereas women must go through a legal process to initiate divorce. (Women in Yemen)
Inheritance: Inheritance rights are based on Shari'a law, which provides women with a share, though typically half that of men.
Penal Code (1994)
Honor Killings: Article 232 allows for reduced sentences for men convicted of "honor killings," leading to lenient punishments for perpetrators. (Women in Yemen)
Nationality Law (1990)
Citizenship: Yemeni women cannot pass their citizenship onto their children unless specific conditions are met, such as divorce or the husband's death. In contrast, Yemeni men can pass citizenship to their children without restrictions. (Women in Yemen)
🏛️ Constitutional Provisions
Equality Before the Law: Article 40 of the 1990 unification constitution stipulates that all citizens are considered equal before the law. (Women in Yemen)
Gender-Specific Rights: Article 31 states that "women are the sisters of men... they have rights and duties, which are guaranteed and assigned by Shari'a and stipulated by law," potentially limiting the scope of gender equality. (Women in Yemen)
🚫 Restrictions and Violations
Freedom of Movement: Women face restrictions on their freedom of movement, particularly in areas controlled by Houthi authorities, where they are required to have a male guardian (mahram) to travel or work. (Violence plagues women and girls amid Yemen's relentless conflict)
Violence and Repression: Women in Yemen are often threatened or violently repressed if they speak out, mobilize, or advocate for their rights. (Yemen: One of the Worst Places in the World to be a Woman)
Access to Justice: Women's testimony is considered half that of a man's in court, and they are prohibited from testifying in certain cases, such as adultery or theft. (Women in Yemen)
📈 Gender Inequality Indicators
Workforce Participation: Women's participation in the workforce is low, with only 6% of women engaged in paid employment. (Gender Equality - Yemen - United Nations Development Programme)
Child Marriage: Approximately 52% of Yemeni girls are married before the age of 18, including 14% before the age of 15. (Women in Yemen)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): FGM remains a prevalent issue, despite being banned by the Ministry of Public Health and Population. (Women in Yemen)
🛡️ International Commitments
CEDAW: Yemen ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1984. ([PDF] Yemen: Gender dynamics, roles, and needs - ACAPS)
Implementation Challenges: Despite international commitments, the implementation of gender equality laws is inconsistent, and women continue to face significant legal and societal barriers.
In summary, while Yemen has established legal frameworks aimed at promoting women's rights, significant challenges remain in terms of implementation and societal norms. Women continue to face legal and cultural barriers that hinder their full participation in society.
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