Women in the World

One of Brad's students had the following question for me: You mentioned a few things that women, in general, are not allowed to do or are required to do in places such as Buenos Aires and Dubai. Can you give me more examples?

My reply:

I am happy to share with you some examples of things that affect women in both Buenos Aires, Argentina and the UAE

In Buenos Aires, things affecting women are not far from how they are in the US. It is said that machismo exists in the Latin world, but I didn't experience it in Buenos Aires. That's not to say it doesn't exist at all there (it probably exists a little bit in all countries of the world to some extent). Machismo is "a strong sense of masculine pride : an exaggerated masculinity" (from Merriam-Webster dictionary). It is said that machismo is much more prominent in Mexico and Spain for example. It is extremely prominent in the UAE (more on that later).

The crime rate is high in Buenos Aires, which means all people, but especially women, need to be careful where they go alone, even during the day.

Laws are different in Argentina, and this may affect women as well. Job postings can legally specify gender and civil status (whether you are married, have kids, etc.). However, this can affect men as well. I'm not sure if equal pay exists in Argentina or not.

Women don't have too many barriers in Argentina. In the Arab world, it's another story - this is a place where I've witnessed more machismo than any other place to which I've traveled. Restrictions on women are much more obvious here (although the UAE is much more liberal than other places, namely Saudi Arabia).

Women can drive in UAE. They also have the right to work and travel. Written law states they have these rights, but it is interesting that women are told they must get a "no objection" letter from their husbands before doing any of these things. Basically married women must have the permission of their husband. My husband Andrew has had to write me a few "no objection" letters in order for me to be able to drive, work and travel! My residence visa says "Housewife/Not allowed to work." Literally! I then had to apply for a labor card after Andrew "gave me permission" to work. Single women on the other hand do not need permission from a male to drive, work or travel.

Bearing children out of wedlock is a crime and the woman will be deported or jailed.

Here are some other restrictions that Emirati women face in the UAE:
- Men can have up to 4 wives at any time (women can not have multiple husbands)
- A woman can only get a divorce under extreme circumstances (i.e., abuse or neglect), but even this is difficult to do
- Social norms (not law) require women to wear head to toe covering (Abaya and Hijab). Some women choose to cover their entire faces leaving only slits for eyes.
- Muslim women are prohibited from marrying non-Muslims while men are allowed to marry Muslim, Christian or Jewish women.
- If a foreign woman marries a local citizen, she can receive citizenship. However, if a foreign man marries a local woman, that man can not receive citizenship and neither can their children
- A man can legally prohibit his wife and adult unmarried daughters from leaving the country by holding their passports

It seems like those who have the most restrictions are the Emirati women here. While Andrew has to write me permission letters to do some things, that's about the only thing that directly affects me here (i.e, I can dress how I like, etc.)

On a more positive note, the UAE grants more rights to women than many other Arab nations:
- Literacy rates for men and women are equal and more women are enrolled in university than men.
- There are no legal prohibitions against women owning their own businesses.
- Women can and are encourgaged to participate in government
- Sexual harrassment is strictly prohibited

Restrictions in Saudi Arabia are much tighter. Women have fewer rights. For example, it is against the law for them to drive. Recently they gained the right to work and it appears things are changing slowly, but there's still a far way to go.

One other interesting thing that affects local women here is discrimination BECAUSE they wear the headscarf/hijab. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Emiratis are a minority in their own country. The majority of people working in this country are not from here. So recently there have been work-related discrimination claims made by women who cover their heads...it must be frustrating to feel like you can't freely practice your own customs/culture in your own country.