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Women's right to divorce

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on one point: whether the divorce procedure, the rules of evidence or the protections provided are the same for a woman as for a man. 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 the law provides the same procedure or the same rules of evidence for both spouses.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Women's right to divorce: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Same right as men : 142 ; Right not identical : 44.

Why this indicator matters

Divorce rules determine whether a woman can end a marriage under the same conditions as a man. Comparing them shows where the written law treats both spouses identically.

What makes this indicator vary

Family law often derives from religious, civil or customary traditions, depending on the country's legal system. Reforms have gradually aligned the rules between spouses, at uneven paces.

Reading precautions

The indicator reads the text of the law, not its application. It measures neither delays, nor costs, nor child custody, nor social pressure. Unwritten customs are not taken into account.

Women's right to divorce

Same right as men (142)

Right not identical (44)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Women's right to divorce" 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 “identical right” mean?

The law provides the same procedure, the same rules of evidence or the same protections for the wife and for the husband when they seek a divorce.

Does this indicator reflect real-life experience?

Not entirely. It describes what the written law provides. Court practice, customs and social obstacles can lead to different outcomes.

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