Surnames could change in Czech - 28th June 2021

Czech women want to change their names.

In the Czech language, the end of a surname changes. Most women's surnames end with "-ová". The sister of ‘Mr Novak’ has the name ‘Ms Novaková’.

Many people in the Czech Republic don’t like this. It isn’t fair for women. It is a problem for many women in the Czech Republic. They want to use the male surname. But only women with foreign husbands can do this.

In the past, Slovakia and the Czech Republic were one country. Women in Slovakia can change their surnames. But women in the Czech Republic can't.

Helena Valková wants to change the rules. She is a politician. She wants the Senate to agree a new law. The new law will help women. They will be free to choose. They can change their surname.

But some people don't want the new law. They think change is confusing.

Soon, the Senate will decide.