Surprising Global Laws Affecting Women: What You Didn't Know

While some media outlets in Israel claim that Judaism marginalizes women and express outrage in particularly accusing headlines, let's explore some countries where not only is their treatment of women exclusionary and harmful, but it is also legally supported.

Kidnapping Allowed in Malta and Lebanon

Though Malta differs from Lebanon by being a European country, in both, the law permits the kidnapping of women – even minors. Not only is there no punishment for kidnapping women, if the kidnapper decides to take the kidnapped woman as a wife and marry her, he is absolved of any legal prosecution.

Devaluing Women's Testimonies in Pakistan

Being a woman in Pakistan, like in other Arab countries, is extremely undesirable. Besides daily humiliations like beatings from their husbands, women endure degrading treatment across all social systems, especially in the legal system.

In Pakistan, women's testimonies in court are not considered valid, even if they present substantial evidence.

Violence Against Women

Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Tunisia, Pakistan, Morocco, and Egypt are just part of an extensive list of countries where there is no prohibition against beating women, even in public. In Nigeria, men can severely beat a woman without penalty, so long as the injury is not deemed 'serious'.

Restricted Inheritance Rights

In numerous Arab countries, women are also excluded from inheritance, receiving significantly less than their male siblings. In Tunisia, for instance, the discrepancy between what brothers and sisters receive can be two to three times, making women financially dependent on their husbands.

Driving License Restrictions

While Jewish law 'recommends' that women avoid driving for reasons of modesty, in Saudi Arabia, women are prohibited from obtaining a driver's license.

How Does Judaism View Women? Watch This Lecture for Clarity:

Is There Women Exclusion in Judaism? Rabbi Zamir Cohen’s Answer Will Surprise You:

Until now, we've discussed countries with a patriarchal family structure that elevates men's rights and diminishes women's rights – mainly occurring in Muslim nations, though not exclusively. 

Many countries worldwide have adopted 'offensive' customs against women:

Forced Feeding of Young Girls

In Mauritania, rural residents forcibly feed five-year-old girls to fatten them up to meet social norms, considering plump women as more attractive and suitable for marriage. If a girl refuses to eat the large portions provided and vomits, she is forced to restart the whole process.

Swimming Ban at Hotel Pools in Western Saudi Arabia

Since 1979, women have been banned from visiting public pools, including hotel pools, eliminating the need for 'separate days' for men and women. 

Chaperone Requirement Beyond New Drivers 

One of the more difficult laws for women in Saudi Arabia – not that they have much choice – is the requirement to be accompanied by a man whenever they go out, regardless of age. An elderly woman is subject to this law just like a young girl. 

Italy - Men Only Allowed!

A law in the city of Ferrara, Italy, prohibits women from entering cheese factories solely because they are women. 

Shoe Fine for Leather Lovers

In Ohio, USA, a law banning leather shoes has been enacted for several years. However, local authorities reportedly impose higher fines on women than men, should they be caught violating this law. 

In some cases, women have even been imprisoned for daring to break the law. 

Yemen - Women Can Never Be Managers 

In Yemen, a law prohibits women from managing stores and businesses, even if they are offered a managerial role within a business not owned by them. 

No Dentures Without a Husband’s Consent in Vermont

In Vermont, USA, there is a bizarre law stating that women cannot independently decide to get dentures without their husband's permission (provided he is still alive, of course).