Liberating Wheels: Advocating for Women’s Freedom of Movement in the Middle East and North Africa

Report: Middle East and North Africa: End Curbs on Women’s Mobility

Introduction

In many Middle East and North African countries, women continue to face restrictions on their freedom of movement, both within their own countries and abroad, unless they obtain permission from a male guardian. These male guardianship rules, which are often justified under the guise of protection, not only deprive women of their basic rights but also enable men to exert control and abuse them with impunity. Human Rights Watch recently released a report, titled “Trapped: How Male Guardianship Policies Restrict Women’s Travel and Mobility in the Middle East and North Africa,” which examines these discriminatory restrictions and argues for their elimination.

The Scope of the Issue

The report, based on extensive research and analysis of laws and practices in 20 countries in the region, reveals the wide-ranging impact of male guardianship policies on women’s lives. These policies, influenced by global traditions that give men control over women, are still implemented in 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. They require women to obey their husbands or male relatives, seek permission to leave their marital homes, work, or travel, and can even result in court-ordered bans or loss of spousal maintenance.

Furthermore, women in conflict-affected areas, such as parts of Syria and Yemen, face additional restrictions imposed by armed groups, including the requirement to be accompanied by a male relative when traveling.

Fighting for Equality

Despite these challenges, women’s rights activists in the region have made significant strides in advocating for gender equality. For example, in 2018, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving, and more recently, women in Iran have been protesting against mandatory hijab. However, these gains have been overshadowed by the persistent restrictions on women’s freedom of movement.

In some countries, universities require women to obtain male guardian permission for field trips or to stay in campus accommodations, and discrimination in renting apartments or staying in hotels is prevalent if women are unmarried or lack male guardian approval.

Passport Restrictions and Travel Bans

While there have been positive advances in allowing women to obtain passports and travel abroad without guardian permission in most countries, there are still outliers. Iran, Qatar, and Yemen continue to maintain discriminatory rules that require women to seek their husband’s or male guardian’s permission to travel.

Furthermore, travel bans imposed by male guardians are a significant issue. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Qatar allow male guardians to ban women’s travel abroad, effectively limiting their mobility and independence. Recent changes made by Hamas authorities in Gaza have also placed additional restrictions on unmarried women, allowing male guardians to prevent them from traveling outside of Gaza.

Implications for Women and Children

These discriminatory restrictions on women’s freedom of movement not only curtail their rights but also have negative consequences for their families and society as a whole. Women’s ability to work and contribute to their households and communities is hampered, and children’s rights to travel with their mothers are often denied.

For instance, women in 14 countries in the region face barriers when trying to obtain passports for their children, while men face no similar requirement. This places an unequal burden on women and restricts their ability to travel with their children.

Editorial: Gender Equality and Eliminating Discriminatory Restrictions

Progress and Regress

The report by Human Rights Watch underscores the urgent need to address the discriminatory restrictions on women’s freedom of movement in the Middle East and North Africa. While some countries in the region have taken steps towards gender equality, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that women have the same rights and opportunities as men.

It is disheartening to see that new restrictions are being introduced, further undermining the progress made by women’s rights activists. The authorities must recognize that any measure that limits women’s mobility not only violates their rights but also hampers social progress and economic development.

The Role of Tradition and Culture

Many of these discriminatory practices are rooted in deeply ingrained societal norms, cultural traditions, and interpretations of religious texts. To effect lasting change, it is essential to challenge these norms and engage in a broader dialogue about gender equality.

While respecting cultural diversity and religious beliefs, it is crucial to ensure that these values do not overshadow the fundamental principles of equality and human rights. Enacting laws that promote gender equality and actively working to change discriminatory practices can help dismantle the structures that uphold male guardianship policies.

Empowering Women

An empowered society is one where women have equal rights and opportunities. To achieve this, it is essential to invest in education and awareness programs that promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms. Women’s voices and experiences must be at the forefront of these conversations, and their participation in decision-making processes should be encouraged and supported.

Call to Action

Authorities in the Middle East and North Africa must take immediate action to eliminate all discriminatory restrictions on women’s freedom of movement, including male guardianship rules. It is imperative to create an environment where women can exercise their rights without fear of retribution or control by male relatives.

International organizations, such as the United Nations, should continue to support and amplify the voices of women’s rights activists in the region. The international community must also hold governments accountable for their obligations to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.

Conclusion

The discriminatory restrictions on women’s freedom of movement in the Middle East and North Africa are a grave violation of human rights. These restrictions impede social progress and perpetuate gender inequality. The authorities in the region must acknowledge the urgency of addressing this issue and take concrete steps to eliminate all forms of discrimination. Only then can we hope to create an inclusive society where women can freely exercise their rights and contribute to the development and prosperity of their countries.

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