Women's Rights in Middle East and North Africa

Questions and Answers

What is the predicted timeframe for the gender gap to close if the current trend continues?

153 years

Women are allowed to go out of their city or country without permission from their husbands in all Arab States.

False

What is the focus of UNICEF's strategy in the region?

multisectoral strategy across all Goal Areas, using sector-wide and survivor-centred approaches

The International Criminal Court was established in _______.

1998 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following challenges faced by women in the Arab States region with their corresponding descriptions:

Denied access to education = Lack of opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills Gender-based or sexual violence = Physical or emotional harm inflicted on women Restriction on their clothes = Limitations on women's freedom to dress as they choose Prohibition of showing their body = Cultural or religious restrictions on women's appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of the United Nations according to the Universal Declaration of 1948?

Maintaining and protecting the peace, dignity, and integrity of each human Signup and view all the answers

The restrictions on women's rights in the Middle East and North Africa are mainly due to legal barriers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'human dignity' refer to?

The value and worth each human has for the simple fact of being human. Signup and view all the answers

The fifth article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that 'No one shall be subjected to _______________ or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.'

torture Signup and view all the answers

Match the following human rights principles with their corresponding descriptions:

Freedom and rights = Should be respected and protected without any exception Human dignity = The value and worth each human has for the simple fact of being human Peace and integrity = Should be maintained and protected by the United Nations Cultural and religious beliefs = Should be prioritized over human rights Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Women's Rights in the Middle East and North Africa

Women in the Middle East and North Africa face significant restrictions and unfair treatment due to societal norms, legal barriers, and government-imposed limitations.
These restrictions affect their ability to fully participate in society and exercise their rights.

Infringement of Human Rights

Human dignity refers to the value and worth each human being has simply because of being human.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 5) states that no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
However, this right is not being respected in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in regards to women's lives.

Global Perspective

The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) aims to maintain and protect the peace, dignity, and integrity of each human.
The infringement of human rights is a felony, and all countries are subject to external oversight.

Regional Development

The Arab States region has evolved at a slower rate than the global average, according to the United Nations Development Programme.
At this pace, it is estimated that the gender gap will take 153 years to close.

Challenges Faced by Women

Women in the Arab States, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and other countries in the region face numerous challenges, including:
- Denied access to education and work
- Forced to serve men
- Sold for money
- Gender-based or sexual violence
- Lack of political participation
- Discrimination and inequality
- Restrictions on their clothing and bodily autonomy
- Prohibition on leaving their city or country without permission from their husbands

International Efforts

Organizations like UNICEF have implemented strategies to improve women's rights and gender equality in the region, including integrating gender equality into humanitarian action.

Economic Consequences

The loss of workforce in the region, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, is a significant concern.
Women's inability to work and contribute to their households' income perpetuates poverty and economic underdevelopment in these regions.