The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for AFE-LAW-1

Oct. 22, 2024, 11:02 a.m.
Countries: Iraq
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"[A]rticle 34 of the Iraqi constitution... stipulates that primary education should be free and obligatory for all children" (para 11). "The fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 didn’t mean that existing laws changed overnight. This includes a penal code from 1969 that enables parents and teachers to 'discipline children'. The education ministry has stipulated that the veil should not be compulsory in schools. However, the 2005 Iraqi constitution states that Islam is the official state religion and should be the 'foundation source' of legislation" (para 13-14). The ability of parents and teachers to discipline children and the frequence with which they are required to wear veils may, through legal means,...more
Oct. 16, 2024, 11:13 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The Taliban-run administration ordered universities to close to women" (3). "He [minister of higher education Nida Mohammad Nadim] said the ban was necessary to prevent the mixing of genders in universities and because some subjects being taught violated the principles of Islam" (33). "The Taliban have banned girls from middle school and high school, barred women from most fields of employment and ordered them to wear head-to-toe clothing in public. Women are also banned from parks and gyms" (37).
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:59 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"In 2011, Belize revised the Education and Training Act. This is the main legislation governing operations of schools in Belize. The revised document reaffirms that no person shall be refused admission to any school because of religion, race, ethnicity, language or political affiliation and further states that schools should be free of gender bias (except non-coeducational schools)...It restated compulsory attendance for children aged 6–14 as well as fines for parents found in contravention of the law. Monitoring and enforcement efforts ensures that boys and girls attend school" (29-30).
March 15, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
Countries: Gabon
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"[S]chooling is compulsory for all from 3 to 16 years of age (Act 21/2011)" (22). "According to Act No. 21/2011 on general guidance for education, training and research 'education and training are mandatory in Gabon and are provided to all young people, whether Gabonese or foreign nationals resident in Gabon, from 3 to 16 years of age'" (27).
Feb. 20, 2024, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Law No. 14/004 of 11 February 2014, on education, guarantees access to school education for all" (2).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The Ministry of Education continues to take cognisance of gender imbalances in education and is currently implementing an 'Equal Opportunities Policy' to facilitate the 'promotion of equality of learning opportunities and eliminate any existing potential discrmination of learners on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, marital status, disability, age, social status or location'" (29).
Jan. 4, 2024, 10:41 a.m.
Countries: Singapore
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"All Singaporean children have equal access to quality education. Under the Compulsory Education Act, all Singaporean children residing in Singapore between the ages of six and 15 must regularly attend a national primary school" (21).
Sept. 30, 2023, 4 p.m.
Countries: Kazakhstan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1, AFE-DATA-1

"The Committee commends the State party for its efforts to increase access for women and girls to all levels of education. It notes that the percentage of children not enrolled in secondary education is below 1 per cent, according to official data, and welcomes the initiation, in 2017, of mandatory monitoring of school enrolment." (p.12).
Sept. 8, 2023, 3:10 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The Taliban have banned women from universities in Afghanistan, sparking international condemnation and despair among young people in the country...The ban further restricts women's education - girls have already been excluded from secondary schools since the Taliban returned last year…The United Nations and several countries have condemned the order, which takes Afghanistan back to the Taliban's first period of rule when girls could not receive formal education…Yet on Tuesday, the education ministry said its scholars had evaluated the university curriculum and environment, and attendance for girls would be suspended 'until a suitable environment' was provided. It added that it would soon provide such a setting and 'citizens should not be...more
Sept. 6, 2023, 5:35 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Public universities reopened for female students in February - nearly six months after the Taliban took control of the country - but with strict dress regulations and segregated teaching for men and women. Secondary education for girls is still banned in the country, meaning that soon women will not have the qualifications needed to enrol in higher education…[A] source with Taliban leadership ties told the Guardian that even if practical barriers to women entering higher education are removed, the authorities are considering limiting them to degrees in healthcare and education. The Taliban is known for its extreme interpretation of the Sharia law - Islam's legal system which is based on...more
Aug. 15, 2023, 6:17 a.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Law No. 2015-653 of 17 September 2015 on compulsory schooling for both girls and boys" (2). "The Committee notes the adoption of Law No. 2015-635 of 17 September 2015 on compulsory schooling, as well as the admission of women and girls to the Technical Military Preparatory School and to the National Gendarmerie since 2013 and 2014, respectively (CEDAW/C/CIV/4, para. 10). It further notes the establishment of six secondary schools for girls and the increased number of scholarships for girls studying in traditionally male-dominated areas, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (CEDAW/C/CIV/Q/4/Add.1, para. 47). The Committee nevertheless notes with concern: (a) The disproportionately high levels of illiteracy among women and...more
July 21, 2023, 11:58 a.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"According to the Law on Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, general secondary education is compulsory in Azerbaijan" (19).
July 10, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The above shift is due in large part to the Government’s education policy 'No Child Left Behind' which now guarantees 14 years of free education starting at age 4 (pre-primary), and increased efforts have been made to improve accessibility and inclusion for children living with disabilities. Since 2014, enrolment rates have been rigorously monitored, and consultations with teachers indicating that there is little difference between the NER and the net attendance." (19).
June 27, 2023, 11:15 p.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"School administrators must allow migrant and refugee children to enroll in primary school through high school and require only that they present their passport and documentation showing their level of schooling from their home country" (21).
June 19, 2023, 1:46 p.m.
Countries: Iran
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"[T]he regime did heavily invest in female education, albeit not equitably. By 2001, women accounted for over 60 percent of admissions into Iranian universities." (para.16).
April 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Uzbekistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The State ensures the creation of equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the exercise of the right to education at all levels of education, including preschool, general secondary, specialized secondary vocational and higher education, as well as in retraining and further training and participation in scientific and educational activities." (23). "In accordance with the Education Act, everyone, regardless of sex, is guaranteed the right to education in both State and non-State educational institutions and, in accordance with article 26 of the Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men Act, the creation of equal opportunities in education is consistently ensured and guaranteed: there are equal...more
March 31, 2023, 2:31 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

""[T]he adoption of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Pre-University Education provide equal access to education for all residents of school age, particularly in poor areas" (9).
March 18, 2023, 10:20 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Ethiopia’s Overseas Employment Proclamation No. 923/2016 is enacted with the aim to protect the rights, safety and dignity of Ethiopians who take-up overseas employment. The Proclamation requires citizens wishing to take up oversees employment to complete eighth grade education and secure occupational competence certificate. It also provides for the provision of pre-employment and pre-departure training pertinent to the job they will take and the conditions of the receiving country" (11). If females are able to do this, it means they have the right to education (MV-coder comment). "The Higher Education Proclamation No. 650/2009 provides for the obligation of higher educational institutions to increase the proportion of women in senior positions...more
March 16, 2023, 3:32 a.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: AFE-PRACTICE-1, AFE-PRACTICE-2, AFE-LAW-1

“Above all, women are less likely than men to consider going into business for themselves, and those who do establish a company are more likely to fail than men (see Section 3.2). Currently, only 6 per cent of the overall population of Bulgarian women manage or own their own company. Women, even though they are more highly educated than men, believe that they do not possess the necessary skills to become an entrepreneur (70 per cent), compared with only 64 per cent of men who were interviewed. Women also tend to view entrepreneurship as an inappropriate role for women (34 per cent), contrasting with only 17 per cent of men...more
Feb. 24, 2023, 12:54 p.m.
Countries: Nepal
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The Constitution provides separate provision on rights of women and guarantees the following:...Women shall have the right to obtain special opportunity in education, health, employment and social security, on the basis of positive discrimination;" (5). "The Constitution ensures the proportional representation of women in all State bodies, and the right to acquire special opportunity in education, health, employment and social security" (6). "The Constitution guarantees compulsory and free education up to basic level and free education up to secondary level. It ensures, amongst others, the right of children to education from families and the State. Eighth amendment of Education Act, 1971 in 2016 further ensures free education up to secondary...more
Feb. 19, 2023, 1:18 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: DACH-LAW-1, ERBG-PRACTICE-2, ERBG-PRACTICE-3, ERBG-LAW-1, LBHO-PRACTICE-2, LBHO-LAW-1, DV-LAW-1, AFE-LAW-1, DTCP-LAW-1, CONST-LAW-1

“While the law provides women the same legal status and rights as men, women faced some discrimination in economic participation and political empowerment. The law provides for equal opportunities in all spheres of public, economic, and political life; equal access to public resources; equal treatment; exclusion of gender-based discrimination and violence; balanced representation of men and women in all decision-making bodies; and overcoming gender-based stereotypes” (p. 23).
Feb. 18, 2023, 9:51 a.m.
Countries: Japan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Presiding Judge Makiko Kamoto criticized the university's unfair treatment as 'irrational and discriminatory,' saying private universities are also obliged to abide by Article 14 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender.Having applicants take entrance examinations while concealing the acceptance criteria 'constitutes illegal behavior as it infringes on the freedom of candidates to choose which university to apply to,' Kamoto said' " (Para.3-4).
Feb. 13, 2023, 11:08 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"In recent weeks, a number of religious scholars with links to the Taliban have issued fatwas, or religious decrees supporting girls' right to learn" (Para.17). "Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani is an Afghan cleric, based largely across the border in Peshawar, Pakistan...He's careful not to criticise the continued closure of schools but, speaking at his madrassa in Peshawar, with his mobile phone in hand, scrolls through the text of his 'fatwa', which shares decrees from earlier scholars and accounts from the life of the Prophet Muhammad. 'There is no justification in the sharia [law] to say female education is not allowed. No justification at all,' he tells the BBC. 'All the religious...more
Feb. 13, 2023, 11:07 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"In recent weeks, a number of religious scholars with links to the Taliban have issued fatwas, or religious decrees supporting girls' right to learn" (Para.17). "Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani is an Afghan cleric, based largely across the border in Peshawar, Pakistan...He's careful not to criticise the continued closure of schools but, speaking at his madrassa in Peshawar, with his mobile phone in hand, scrolls through the text of his 'fatwa', which shares decrees from earlier scholars and accounts from the life of the Prophet Muhammad. 'There is no justification in the sharia [law] to say female education is not allowed. No justification at all,' he tells the BBC. 'All the religious...more
Feb. 13, 2023, 10:57 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Girls have pretty much been unable to attend secondary school in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power nine months ago."(Para.1) "[C]leric Jalilullah Akhundzada, head of the Dar al-Uloom seminary in the western Afghan city of Herat, who issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, in support of girls' education in March. Akhunzada was not available to speak to NPR, but his son, known as Mualana Muhibullah, said his father's fatwa was an 'expression of truth and reality which needed to be told,'he said. 'Girls and women should have the right to educate and be educated, but by preserving the conditions needed for a Muslim girl,' he said, referring to strict gender...more
Feb. 4, 2023, 6:14 p.m.
Countries: Namibia
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"The state party continues to prioritise the education sector. Over 195 994 learners in secondary school, grades 8-12 were taught career guidance related topics in Life Skills in 2015. In 2016 this number was 200,695 with 48% being female and in 2017 the number increased to 202,252 with 52% being female. The Life Skills curriculum has been reviewed and implementation of the Junior Secondary curriculum commenced in 2017." (13)(NF - CODER COMMENT - The role of government in the education sector and their attempts to increase enrollment of women and girls implies the women do have the legal right to education, but there may be barriers that are preventing their...more
Jan. 7, 2023, 11:15 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Inside a small room in a house on Kabul's outskirts, about ten teenage girls are defying their Taliban rulers who have banned them from attending secondary school" (para 1). "It's been nearly a year since the Taliban seized power and stopped some 850,000 Afghan girls from attending secondary school, according to UNICEF figures. The regime had promised to allow girls to return on March 23. But it appears a minority of senior hardliners had a change of heart. Teenage girls arrived to their old classrooms only to be sent home again, many in tears" (para 4). "While some governments may let poor girls fall through the cracks of the school...more
Dec. 8, 2022, 3:20 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: AFE-PRACTICE-3, AFE-LAW-1

"Meanwhile, older girls above 13 years old have also yet to be allowed back to schools and colleges - a policy which directly contradicts promises made by Taliban leaders last year that all girls would have the right to an education" (para 21).
Sept. 3, 2022, 8:34 p.m.
Countries: Tanzania
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"Since taking office, Ms. Hassan has set off on a different path than her predecessor: She encouraged Covid vaccinations by publicly taking the shot herself, lifted a ban on pregnant girls in schools and began to amend some Magufuli-era economic regulations to lure back investors." (4)
June 14, 2022, 5:24 p.m.
Countries: Denmark
Variables: AFE-LAW-1

"In the educational sector, the overall precondition is equality – regardless of gender and ethnic origin. All educational opportunities are available and free of charge for all citizens. It follows from the Act on Gender Equality that the educational sector has a special obligation to promote gender equality, for example by being aware of differences in boys’ and girls’ needs, resources and behaviour in order to assess which efforts are needed to give them the same opportunities. Focus must be on competencies instead of gender, so that the potential of the students’ total talent are optimally utilized" (18). "In the Faroe Islands, girls, boys, women and men continue to enjoy...more