The ability of women to legally terminate a marriage has varied considerably across different historical periods and legal systems. Access to marital dissolution for females has been shaped by societal norms, religious doctrines, and evolving legal frameworks. The specific circumstances under which a woman could initiate a divorce, and the grounds upon which such a petition could be successful, represent a key aspect of female autonomy and legal standing within a given society.
Historically, unequal power dynamics often restricted women’s access to divorce. In many patriarchal societies, divorce laws were primarily designed to serve male interests, granting husbands more straightforward avenues for ending a marriage. The limited recourse available to wives reflected their subordinate social and economic position. Achieving greater parity in divorce law has represented a significant milestone in women’s rights movements, impacting female economic stability, personal safety, and overall social equality.
