Should Egypt remove ‘marital status’ from women’s ID cards? (opens original article in a new tab)

The article discusses how the 'marital status' field on Egyptian national ID cards contributes to systemic discrimination against women, leading to harassment, limited housing, and economic challenges. It highlights personal stories and research showing the negative impact of this classification on women's lives and suggests removing the field as a potential solution.

• The 'marital status' field on Egyptian national ID cards is linked to systemic harassment and discrimination against divorced, widowed, and unmarried women.
• Divorced women in Egypt face economic challenges, with female unemployment at 14.3% and limited housing options due to societal stigma.
• A study highlights that divorce significantly impacts women's social, psychological, and economic well-being, with many struggling to access legal and financial support.
• Proposals suggest removing the 'marital status' field for unmarried, divorced, or widowed individuals to reduce discrimination.