Law on Sexual Equality in North Korea July 30 1946

                                                                 

ARTICLE 1: Women have equal rights to men economically, culturally, socially, and politically in all areas of life of the nation.

ARTICLE 2: Women have the same rights as men to vote and be elected in the regional as well as the highest national organs.

ARTICLE 3: Women have the same rights as men to workers' rights, equal wages, social insurance, and education.

ARTICLE 4: Women, like men, have the right to free marriage. Unfree and forced marriage without the consent of those marrying is prohibited.

ARTICLE 5: When it becomes difficult to continue the married relationship, women have the same rights as men to free divorce. The right to litigation to demand child support payments from the ex-husband is acknowledged, and such cases shall be processed at the People's Court.

ARTICLE 6: The legal marriageable age shall begin at seventeen for women and eighteen for men.

ARTICLE 7: Polygamy is a feudal practice from the Middle Ages and sales of women as wives or concubines are hereby prohibited as evil practices that violate women's rights. Licensed prostitution, private prostitution, and the kisaeng [female entertainer] system—kisaeng licenses and schools—are prohibited.

ARTICLE 8: Women have the same rights as men to inherit property and land, and women have the right to be given their share of property and land in cases of divorce.

ARTICLE 9: All Japanese imperial laws and regulations pertaining to Korean women's rights are null and void as of the promulgation of this law. This law takes effect as of the day of promulgation