Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalizes rape, including spousal rape, as well as domestic violence, female genital mutilation, and sexual harassment. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 12 years, depending on the seriousness of the offense. The government effectively prosecuted persons accused of such crimes. In 2010, authorities received 429 reports of rape. In the same period, they filed 291 cases and obtained 50 convictions and 17 acquittals.
Violence against women, including spousal abuse, remained a problem. The government and NGOs operated 24-hour hotlines, counseling centers, and shelters for female victims of violence. Requests for shelter declined by 5 percent during the year, and the number of available shelters increased by 3 percent.
Harmful Traditional Practices: The government assisted NGOs working with immigrant groups to discourage traditional practices considered harmful to or discriminatory toward women.
Sexual Harassment: The law prohibits sexual harassment and provides for monetary compensation for victims, paid by the perpetrator and/or the employer who allowed or failed to prevent the incident. The government effectively enforced the law. Few cases were reported during the year.
Reproductive Rights: The government recognized the basic right of couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. Health clinics and local health NGOs operated freely in disseminating information on family planning under the guidance of the Ministry of Public Health. There were no restrictions on access to contraceptives, and the government provided free childbirth services. Women have unfettered access to maternal health services, including skilled attendance during childbirth. Women used nurses and midwives for prenatal and postnatal care unless the mother or child suffered more serious health complications. Men and women had equal access to diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Discrimination: Women have the same legal status as men, including under family law, property law, and in the judicial system. The law requires equal pay for equal work. The Ministry for Employment, however, found that men earned 17 to 21 percent more than women, partly due to a gender-fragmented labor market in which traditional female employment pays less than traditional male employment and where there are more men than women in executive positions. Even when adjusting for these factors, men earned approximately 4 percent more than women for the same work. The difference was higher in the public sector. Women held positions of authority throughout society; however, they were notably underrepresented in senior business positions and as university professors.