Summary: Inequalities For Women

The article, written by Sarah Trister, talks about how despite the progress women around the world achieved in increasing their rights in different aspects of their lives, a survey (Freedom House survey) finds that women in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) still continue to suffer from the lack of their basic rights.
Trister writes that laws against spousal abuse and marital rape are largely absent in this part of the world, and how the so-called “honor” killings still take place. Their governments remain resistant to addressing inequalities for women through progressive policy or legislation and often actively pursue policies of repression. These regions suffer from a broad deficit in freedom and human rights compared to the …show more content…
However, there are gains that women have made in the region that still improved the quality of their lives and their ability to actively participate in society, from gaining the right to vote in the elections in Kuwait, to Bahrain where women now can obtain a passport male approval, and even serving in parliaments in a number of countries. But, their successes have often been achieved in the face of strong resistance from clergy and governments.
She believes that in order to help the women of the Middle East, international NGOs should continue the good work they’ve done to support civil society activities in the region. The United States and other democracies must make the promotion of human rights and women’s rights a priority in relationships with every government in the region, no matter the strategic situation. Ultimately, change has to come from within, but we have to listen and be responsive to the needs of the women on the ground to support them in their fight for freedom and