Khul in Egypt

In Egypt, personal status laws continue to discriminate against women particularly in the area of divorce. In 2000, the Egyptian government passed Khul (no fault divorce) law hoping to tackle ongoing discrimination against Egyptian women. This paper argues that even though Islam granted women equal rights and opportunities like men, Egyptian women face legal discrimination within the area of marriage, divorce and this is why they resort to Khul. Khul has proven to be an alternative tool for Egyptian women to escape unsuccessful marriages. Contrary to expectations, Khul has proven to benefit rich women as well as poor women.

Autorentext

Rizkallah, Sara, MA: Gender and Women Studies in the Middle East and North Africa at the American University in Cairo. Teaching Assistant at the British University in Egypt.