Saina Nehwal Divorce: In These 6 Countries, Women Need A Man's Permission To File for Divorce

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When news of Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal's reported divorce broke, many responded with empathy, some with shock, and others with subtle judgment. But behind the personal nature of every separation lies a powerful, overlooked reality - not every woman in the world has the legal right to walk away from her marriage.

Posting on Instagram this Sunday, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal shared a deeply personal update that surprised many in the badminton community.

"Sometimes, life leads us down separate paths. After a lot of reflection, Kashyap Parupalli and I have mutually decided to part ways. This decision comes from a place of peace, healing, and the hope for individual growth," wrote the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

She added, "I carry immense gratitude for the memories we created together and wish him nothing but happiness ahead. We appreciate your understanding and ask for privacy as we move through this chapter."

Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap got married on 14 December 2018.

Saina, like millions of women in democratic societies, had the freedom to file for divorce when she felt it was necessary. But in many countries, that decision is not hers to make alone.

In fact, there are nations where a woman legally cannot end her marriage without her husband's consent. Her autonomy is overridden by male authority - be it in the name of religion, tradition, or outdated legal codes.

Here are six countries where divorce is not just difficult for women - it's nearly impossible without male approval.

1. Saudi Arabia: A Husband's Word Is Law

In Saudi Arabia, governed by Sharia law, a man can divorce his wife unilaterally through talaq - a verbal declaration. However, a woman must request a khula, which is a form of divorce that needs either the husband's consent or a court's ruling. Even then, she may have to return her dowry or prove harm. The power imbalance is stark - women often endure long legal battles just to leave abusive or incompatible marriages.

2. Iran: Women Must Prove Fault To Leave

Iran's divorce laws heavily favor men. A man can divorce his wife whenever he wishes, while a woman can only seek divorce under specific circumstances - abuse, addiction, imprisonment, or failure to provide financially. Even then, the husband's permission or a religious court's ruling is often required. Women may lose custody rights or financial compensation if they initiate the process.

3. Afghanistan: Divorce Rights Undermined By Tradition

Although Afghan law theoretically allows both men and women to divorce, societal customs and conservative interpretations of Islamic law often override legal texts. Women face immense stigma, violence, and legal obstacles when attempting to divorce. Many are pressured into reconciliation by community elders or religious leaders - and even when legally separated, they risk losing their children and social standing.

4. Philippines: No Divorce At All - Except For Men Who Convert

The Philippines is one of the only countries in the world (besides Vatican City) where divorce is illegal for the general population. Legal separation is possible, but it doesn't permit remarriage. Only Muslim Filipinos are allowed divorce under certain conditions, and even then, men have significantly more power in ending the marriage. A woman in a non-Muslim marriage has virtually no legal way to exit.

5. Democratic Republic of Congo: A Patriarchal Legal Labyrinth

In the DRC, the law requires a woman to obtain her husband's consent for almost every major legal action - including divorce. Gender discrimination is deeply embedded in the judicial system, and women often lack access to legal aid. Cultural stigma further discourages women from even attempting to leave unhappy or abusive marriages.

6. Lebanon: Religious Courts Decide Her Fate

Lebanon doesn't have a unified civil code for personal matters like divorce. Instead, religious sects govern marriage and separation. For many sects - especially Sunni and Shia Muslim communities - divorce law gives more power to men. In some Christian sects, divorce is outright forbidden. A woman's ability to end her marriage depends entirely on the faith-based court system her family belongs to.

Not Just A Personal Choice - A Political One

Saina Nehwal's reported separation may be a personal journey, but it also unintentionally sheds light on a global privilege. The ability to exit a marriage, to say "this no longer serves me," is still a radical act for millions of women. For many, marriage isn't just a bond - it's a trap they can't legally walk out of.

Freedom to divorce shouldn't depend on geography, religion, or gender. It should be a basic human right.