ABSTRACT
Many experts have found that women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fare worse than those in other parts of the world on a range of social, economic, legal and political measures. Some attribute this underperformance to prevailing gender roles and perspectives (including discriminatory laws and beliefs), as well as challenges facing the region overall (such as a preponderance of undemocratic governments, poor economic growth, wars, and mass displacement, which often disproportionately affect women). Some key issues facing many women in the region include the following: Unequal Legal Rights. Women in the MENA region face greater legal discrimination than women elsewhere, with differential laws on issues such as marriage, freedom of movement, and inheritance, as well as limited to no legal protection from domestic violence. “h Constraints on Economic Participation and Opportunity. Regional conditions, in addition to gender-based discrimination, contribute to a significant difference between men and women: s participation in MENA economies. For example, women do not participate in the labor force to the same degree as women in other regions, and those who do participate face on average nearly twice the levels of unemployment than men. “h Underrepresentation in Political Processes. Women:X particularly in Yemen, Kuwait and Lebanon:Xare poorly represented in legislative bodies compared to the global average. “h Conflict and Displacement. Women and girls constitute the majority of displaced civilian populations and are at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse in conflict and displacement settings. Experts are particularly concerned about displaced populations in Syria and Yemen. “h Lack of Representation in Conflict Resolution and Peace Negotiations. Women have been sidelined in most formal efforts to resolve the MENAregion: s three largest ongoing wars in Libya, Syria, and Yemen, despite attempts by some international actors to involve women in these processes. “h Susceptibility to Radicalization, Terrorism, and Violent Extremism. Women, like men, are susceptible to radicalization by extremist groups like the Islamic State. Some extremists target women for support and recruitment, though experts have noted that women also may be uniquely positioned to counter violent extremist ideology. In Egypt and Algeria, for example, governments have trained women clerics to counter radicalization. “h Disproportionate Vulnerability to Possible Impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Women in the MENA region are experiencing unique and particularly dire effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, though the full effects remain to be seen. Over the years, many Members of Congress have supported U.S. efforts to bolster gender equality in the MENA region in the context of advocating for women: s rights and well-being globally. Some also have argued that supporting women: s rights may advance broader U.S. national security interests in the region. To support these positions, proponents sometimes cite research suggesting that the relative status of women in society appears to be linked to greater political stability, security, and prosperity, as well as to better governance. Congress has addressed issues related to women through foreign assistance appropriations and authorizations, resolutions, statements and letters, and oversight activities. Some of these measures have been global in scope, while others have been region-specific. Going forward, Members may consider whether improvements in the status of women may contribute to other U.S. policy goals, and debate the appropriate level and types of U.S. engagement on the particular challenges facing women in different MENA countries. © 2021 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.