Women, slaves and minors are exempt from the recitation of the Shema, and from [donning] tefillin. But they are obligated in prayer, and in mezuzah, and in the Grace After Meals.

[When] they have buried the deceased [and] are returning [from the grave], if they can begin and finish [their recitation] before they reach the ‘‘row’’, they should begin [the recitation]; but if not, they should not begin. [Regarding] those standing in the ‘‘row’’: the inner ones are exempt [from the Shema obligation], and the outer ones are obligated.