A recent study by the World Bank of 173 countries, reported by Somini Sengupta of the New York Times found that “90 percent of the countries surveyed had at least one law that discriminated against women.” These restrictions on women were found in both rich and poor countries. In some cases, including in the United States, the absence of some laws creates barriers. Sengupta shared some examples:
- The United States is one of only four advanced countries around the world with no national laws requiring paid parental leave for new mothers.
- Russia bars women from a variety of jobs, including freight train conductor and mining rig operator.
- Iran and Qatar are among eighteen countries that require a married woman to ask for her husband’s permission to go to work.
- The most restrictive laws are in the Middle East, where some nations prohibit women from applying for passports or opening businesses without their husband’s permission.
- The most restrictive economies include American allies like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq, along with Iran and Syria.
- The gender wage gap is lower in countries with no restrictions but still exists almost everywhere.
Great article, Anne. Thanks for this global perspective and call to action.