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[WARNING: This list contains disturbing images.] The Handmaid’s Tale – both the novel and the series – has reignited discussions about authoritarian regimes and women's rights, while also inspiring some rather strange protest fashion globally. Set in a fictional world called “Gilead”, the story portrays a dystopian society where technology resembles ours, but the government is a totalitarian theocracy. In this world, women are oppressed and classified into distinct categories, with 'Handmaids' forced to bear children for infertile families.
The 1985 novel drew inspiration from numerous historical events, such as the rise of radical Islam in Iran and the broader Middle East in the late 20th century, the persecution of witches in the 1600s, and the growing influence of the Christian right in the U.S. during the ’70s and ’80s.
Surprisingly, much of the social critique from the novel remains alarmingly relevant today. In fact, many parts of the world today are as oppressive – if not more so – than the dystopian society of the show. Here are ten places that mirror these harsh realities.
10. Republic of El Salvador
Recently, the United States has been making headlines due to its increasing restrictions on abortion laws, although it’s far from the worst-case scenario. Despite some states attempting to include exceptions for rape and incest in their bans, it remains a limited and localized issue.
Unfortunately, many other countries around the world have far stricter laws, with El Salvador being the most extreme. Abortion has been completely banned since 1998, with no exceptions, and access to contraceptives is severely limited. Women in El Salvador are often imprisoned on homicide charges for undergoing abortions, and in some cases, even when a miscarriage occurs.
El Salvador also ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for gender-based violence. Reports suggest that approximately 67% of women in El Salvador have suffered some form of violence.
9. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in nearly constant conflict since the Rwandan genocide. While the war between neighboring countries has largely ceased, numerous active rebel factions continue to operate in the region. These groups, driven by ethnic animosities, often target rival civilian populations.
Women have been the primary victims of many of the violent attacks during the conflict, which has a genocidal nature. Since the violence first erupted, they have endured continuous abuse, with aid workers consistently reporting forced pregnancies, deliberate transmission of STDs, and rampant sexual assault.
The perpetrators aren't just the fighters, though. Sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been steadily rising, with regular civilians also committing these acts. The country's weak legal system, combined with ongoing conflict, only worsens the dire situation for civilians, particularly women.
8. Islamic Republic of Iran
The Iranian Islamic Revolution and its effects on women's rights in the post-revolution era had a profound impact on the novel, as Atwood would have been writing during that time. Iran swiftly transformed into a theocratic state governed by Islamic law, stripping away many freedoms, especially for women, with the most severe laws being imposed upon them.
For instance, stoning became a legal punishment for adultery, leading to the execution of many, primarily women, until the Iranian authorities decided it was too extreme. While stoning is no longer actively recommended, it remains a possible method of execution. Sexual violence against women is another significant issue in Iran, further exacerbated by laws that predominantly protect male offenders.
Iran is also unique in that it has a growing movement of activists who are pushing back against some of the country's most oppressive laws, setting it apart from many other nations on this list. However, it remains a totalitarian state, and these activists face the constant threat of arrest or even torture.
7. Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Though Pakistan is often associated with other conflict-prone Middle Eastern countries in popular perception, the reality is quite different. It is a functioning democracy, with a culture that is more aligned with South Asia than the Middle East or Near East.
However, life for civilians in many parts of Pakistan, especially women, is harsh. Even though laws exist to address cases of sexual violence, deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes and a lack of governance in many border regions create serious challenges. Honor killings remain common in many rural areas, and sexual violence is widespread but underreported. While women have the legal right to vote, Pakistan has the lowest female voter participation in elections worldwide.
Although its South Asian neighbors, India and Bangladesh, also struggle with women's rights, Pakistan faces especially dire circumstances. With a struggling economy, persistent conflict in the north-western regions, weak governance across large parts of its territory, and the rise of radical Islamism in rural areas, it has become one of the most challenging countries for women.
It's not all bleak, however, as a growing group of activists and NGOs are striving for change, particularly in the more urban regions. Nonetheless, the entrenched patriarchy and broken legal system make this an uphill struggle.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia may be known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, which make it a fantastic destination for travelers. But beneath this facade, it also has an authoritarian streak, particularly for its Muslim residents, with restrictive laws that many are unaware of.
In the more Islamic areas, skipping Friday prayers for three consecutive weeks is punishable by six months in jail. Alcohol consumption is penalized through various methods, presumably depending on the severity of drunkenness. Caning is still a legal punishment, and, unsurprisingly, many of the victims are women. In 2018, two women were caned for kissing in a car.
5. Federative Republic of Brazil
When most people think of Brazil, they picture party buses and all-night beach festivals. However, for those who have explored beyond the surface (and the Brazilians themselves), it’s clear that Brazil is also one of the most crime-ridden nations on Earth. Many of its cities rank among the most violent, with the situation worsening in recent years.
There is also a pervasive issue with violence against women. This isn’t limited to domestic abuse and rape—though those are widespread as well—but includes brazen murders in public spaces. A 2019 report from The Guardian stated that four women were killed daily in Brazil at the time. Many of these murders stem from domestic violence, and a lax legal system coupled with insufficient action from local authorities makes it even harder for victims to get justice.
4. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is notorious for its repression of women’s rights. If there were a hall of fame for curtailing women’s freedoms, Saudi Arabia would certainly have a special section dedicated to it. While there have been recent developments (like women being ‘granted’ the right to drive), the overarching attitude towards women in the deeply religious monarchy remains one of strict control.
Although some of the more oppressive laws, such as the one preventing women over 21 from leaving the house without a male escort, have been revoked, men still possess numerous legal means to control women. Women continue to lack agency in the eyes of the law and must overcome substantial obstacles to have their voices heard. Sexual violence may not only go unpunished but the victim could even be accused of adultery under Islamic law and face execution by beheading—still the most common method of execution in a country with the highest execution rate in the world.
3. Republic of the Sudan
Sudan was recently under the rule of Omar al-Bashir, an authoritarian leader who held power for nearly three decades. Known for his brutal tactics, Bashir's reign was characterized by violent repression of political and religious dissidents, mass rape and looting by the army, and ongoing sectarian violence. His regime was eventually overthrown in a large-scale rebellion supported by the military, but the situation for the people has yet to improve.
Although the situation was far worse during Bashir’s rule—when women could be arrested for wearing clothes deemed too provocative—targeted sexual violence remains rampant throughout much of Sudan. Rape is often used as a weapon to suppress local communities, and this violence continues to escalate. Of course, the common punishment for adultery, stoning to death, is still enforced.
Even though Sudan is now governed by a military regime, it is itself accused of human rights violations and lacks substantial control over many areas of the country. The nation remains embroiled in conflict, with various factions holding control over different regions.
2. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Afghanistan has long been the site of wars it had little part in. Despite this, it remains a tribal society with distinct clans that prefer independence, even though numerous efforts have been made to unify the country. Several areas, particularly in the south, remain under Taliban control.
Afghanistan has witnessed some of the most authoritarian regimes in recent history, including the Taliban’s rule from 1996 to 2001. During this time, public beheadings and stonings were commonplace, and women were forced to follow a stringent code of conduct both publicly and privately. The repression wasn’t limited to women, though—basic freedoms were stripped from nearly everyone.
Though much of the Taliban's influence has waned, with Afghanistan now having a central government, many regions still endure ongoing conflict, and sexual violence continues to be a widespread issue. The Taliban maintains control over certain territories and remains in active opposition to the government, suggesting that the past era may not be entirely over.
1. Federal Republic of Somalia
Somalia is one of those countries that rarely makes the news. Amid a civil war that has raged since at least the 1980s, the country faces every type of human rights catastrophe imaginable. From rampant disease outbreaks to violent conflict to the notorious presence of pirates, the situation is so complex that it’s hard to keep up with it all.
To compare the conditions in Somalia to the world depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale would be an understatement; the reality is likely far worse. The country remains one of the worst offenders when it comes to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), or female circumcision, with many cases going unreported. Sexual violence is a constant threat in many regions, and until recently, stoning to death was still a possible punishment.
The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, with large areas of the country lacking a central governing authority, which only deepens the instability and suffering for the people.
