Sana'a:  Yemeni women on Tuesday refused to accept a new format for marriage contracts that does not require the signature of the wife.

The new contract format, issued by the Ministry of Justice, has done away with the provision for the signature of the wife and instead requires only the signatures of the husband and the wife's guardian.

Women activists here consider the step as an additional restriction on women's choice to accept or refuse a contract for marriage.

The chairwoman of the Yemeni Women's Union, Ramzia Al Eryani, has demanded that the Ministry of Justice should nullify the new format and replace it with one that has a provision for the wife's signature.

"This format contradicts women's rights to accept or refuse a marriage contract," Al Eryani told reporters yesterday.

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She also said that activists from various women's organisations have submitted to the lawmakers in the parliament some proposals for amending certain laws pertaining to women's rights.

The House of Representatives is expected to start debating on these proposals early next month.

Arwa Othman, a women's activist and writer, condemned the decision to do away with the wife's signature on marriage contracts, terming it a conspiracy against women and an attempt to prevent them from exercising their rights.

"Such a decision clearly shows to what extent tribal and religious traditions can affect the decision-making process," Othman said.

She urged the civil society organisations and political parties to rise against all that "increases the sufferings of women".

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