Challenges Facing Women in the Middle East
The image highlights the ranking of the worst countries for women in 2023 based on criteria of inclusion, justice, and security, as issued by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security. This list ranks Iraq at 168, followed by Somalia, Eswatini, Syria, and Burundi among the worst ten countries. Afghanistan takes the last position (177) with the lowest score, emphasizing the difficult conditions women face in these countries.
This assessment is based on several factors, such as the level of women’s inclusion in society through public participation, the degree of justice achieved in terms of their rights, and the safety and security women experience in these nations.
The Middle East in this Ranking
Regarding the Middle East, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan appear on this list, clearly indicating the significant challenges women face in this region.
Iraq (Rank 168, Score 0.424):
Despite political and economic developments in Iraq since the fall of the previous regime, women continue to face substantial issues such as social and legal discrimination, in addition to increasing gender-based violence due to ongoing political instability and conflicts.
Syria (Rank 171, Score 0.407):
The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has made conditions for women extremely difficult, making them more vulnerable to sexual violence and domestic abuse, in addition to worsening poverty and social instability.
Yemen (Rank 176, Score 0.287):
Yemen has been suffering from a prolonged civil war, leading to a significant deterioration in humanitarian conditions. Women in Yemen face major challenges such as early marriage, physical violence, and limited opportunities for education and employment.
Afghanistan (Rank 177, Score 0.286):
Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, women’s rights have sharply declined. Women’s rights to education and employment have been significantly restricted, in addition to the increase in discriminatory laws that limit their role in public life.
Common Challenges in the Middle East
Women in the Middle East face numerous challenges that vary from country to country but share common causes, such as:
- Conflicts and Wars: Civil wars and armed conflicts contribute to deteriorating economic and social conditions, increasing women’s exposure to violence and abuse.
- Discriminatory Laws: Some countries lack laws that protect women’s rights, or the existing laws are highly discriminatory, such as inheritance and marriage laws that favor men over women.
- Social and Cultural Dominance: Traditions and customs play a significant role in limiting women’s roles in society, as women are often viewed as incapable of actively participating in public life.
Conclusion
This ranking highlights the depth of the disparities between women in the Middle East and the rest of the world. Many women in this region experience extreme hardships, ranging from insecurity and poverty to legal and social discrimination. The affected countries need to take serious steps to develop policies that enhance women’s rights and reduce discrimination, which may be impossible in some cases without ending armed conflicts and controlling social and political extremism.
