The law prohibits racial, sexual, or social discrimination, and the Government enforces these provisions. Blatant societal discrimination occurs only rarely. In 1999 shelters provided refuge to 368 women and 413 children, a slight decrease from 1998 levels. Information offices set up to respond to women in distress reported that they received 4,364 telephone calls in 1999. The Government funds organizations that provide shelter, counseling, and hot lines.
Women enjoy the same property rights as men.
In the absence of a prenuptial agreement, property is divided equally upon the dissolution of a marriage. The law mandates equal pay for equal work, and the Ministry for the Promotion of Women has a mandate to encourage a climate of equal treatment and opportunity. However, according to government reports, women are paid 20 to 30 percent less than men for comparable work. The Government cites the interruption in the careers of women caused by childbirth and their maternal roles as one reason for the disparity. To date there have been no work-related discrimination lawsuits.