an equal basis as men will also help to ensure that family unity is preserved, and prevent negative coping mechanisms where families may take drastic action to secure nationality for their children, including the abandonment of new borns and fraud. These positive impacts have been seen in Egypt since the passage of their nationality law in 2004, which states that Egyptians are “Anyone who is born of an Egyptian father, or an Egyptian mother”. Since implementing a nationality law which allows mothers to pass nationality to their children on the same terms as fathers, families have been able to remain together in Egypt without fear of deportation as it provided these individuals with legal residence, amongst other key rights. Additionally, access to education and employment have been enhanced, which has allowed a large number of people to more easily provide for themselves.35 The benefits of gender equal nationality laws extend beyond citizens and their families and strengthen nations as a whole. By ensuring gender equality in the nationality law, countries such as Egypt have promoted social and economic inclusion, allowing more people to contribute to enhanced national stability, prosperity and security, as well as contribute to the countries’ sustainable development. 18

Select target paragraph3