FIFA World Cup rules for women differ significantly from those for men in Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been making headlines since it was announced, particularly because of the country that would host the huge event.

The latest in a string of orders from the host country of Qatar was a notice requesting that visitors dress appropriately and with consideration for local customs. Some of them specify dress codes for women: Knees and shoulders must be covered.

The laws, restrictions, and diktats, especially for women, are a reflection of Qatari society, which is now under scrutiny.

Varying rules for men and women in Qatar

Most Qatari women dress modestly by donning a headscarf and an abaya, a loose-fitting cloak, as encouraged by Islam.

Although women in Qatar have made progress, they still have to abide by laws that are defined by the government regarding male guardianship. Women experience prejudice in practically every aspect of their life and must obtain male guardian consent in order to marry, pursue higher education, and hold specific employment. Guardians may also prohibit foreign travel for women under the age of 25.

For men, the guidelines are, however, different. Men are permitted to marry up to four women at once without the consent of a guardian or even their present wife or wives.

Equal pay is a legal right for men and women in Qatar. However, it is not always given to women. In spite of the fact that more than half of all college graduates are women, they also have difficulty obtaining high-level positions in both the corporate and public sectors.

Laws that distinguish between women’s rights and obligations and men’s rights and responsibilities codify traditional roles in Qatar. For instance, wives are obligated to follow their husbands and are formally in command of the home. If they disobey their husband’s desires, they risk losing financial assistance.

There are no advocates for women

According to Human Rights Watch senior researcher Rothna Begum, “There are no autonomous women’s rights organisations, in part because the government has regulations that make it difficult to establish associations that are even remotely regarded as political. You are not allowed.

Women find it challenging to advocate for their rights, whether offline or online, she claimed.

One of the arguments against FIFA’s decision to grant Qatar the 2022 World Cup is this.

At a time when a lot is going on in Iran regarding the treatment of women there, the first World Cup in the Middle East is also taking place.

Following the murder of Mahsa Amini, 22, who passed away while being detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the country’s mandatory dress code for women, the country has been rocked by anti-hijab demonstrations.

While there is a request for Iran to be banned from the World Cup, host country Qatar, which has similar oppressive laws for women, continues to take pride in the enormous event.

More on Qatar

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