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Women's right to be head of household

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on three points: it does not designate the husband as head of household, it does not give him the family record book by default, and it places no restriction on a woman being head of household. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Identical right” means that all three conditions are met.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Women's right to be head of household: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Same right as men : 157 ; Right not identical : 29.

Why this indicator matters

The right to be recognised as head of household touches on the equality of spouses within the couple. Comparing it shows whether the law treats women and men the same way in running the household.

What makes this indicator vary

These rules often come from old civil codes inspired by traditional family models. Many laws have been reformed over the decades to establish equality between spouses, at different paces.

Reading precautions

The data describe written laws, not their application or uncodified customs. The result requires three conditions to be met: a single missing point is enough to classify the right as not identical.

Women's right to be head of household

Same right as men (157)

Right not identical (29)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Women's right to be head of household" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “head of household” mean in this indicator?

It is the legal recognition of the role of person in charge of the household. The indicator checks that the law does not reserve this role for the husband and does not place restrictions on women.

Why are three conditions examined?

The role of head of household can appear in several rules: the designation of the husband, the handing over of the family record book and any restrictions. None of them must create a difference.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Family & Nationality