7. Marry or Divorce Freely
A century ago, women’s autonomy in matters of marriage and divorce was heavily restricted, often leaving them with little choice or recourse. Marriages were frequently arranged or heavily influenced by family and societal expectations, while divorce was stigmatized and legally challenging for women to obtain. Gradually, significant legislative developments emerged—such as the introduction of no-fault divorce laws in the late 20th century—that allowed women greater freedom to end unhappy or abusive marriages. These reforms represented a fundamental shift, empowering women to make personal decisions about their relationships and dramatically reshaping societal attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
