The Rights of Women in Marriage and Family Relations
- January 31, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue I, January 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
The Rights of Women in Marriage and Family Relations
Dr Ngaundje Ieno Doris
Higher Technical Teachers Training College (HTTTC), Kumba, University of Buea, Cameroon
Abstract: – As far as the rights of women in marriage and family relations are concern, it can be contended that Cameroon has undoubtedly achieved so much. Cameroon has adopted appropriate legislative and institutional measures to guarantee women equal opportunities in marriage and family relations. In spite of the achievements, discrimination against women continues to linger in rural areas. In this respect, the article argues that more is desired to attain relative equality between men and women. To attain relative equality, the article settles for a reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices that have hindered the realisation of equal treatment between men and women. Again, the article recommends for the codification of all laws in force relating to marriage and family life. It stands to reason that many women will continue to wallow in ignorance and trapped in abusive relationships, if their rights are not re-asserted. The article finds it necessary to re-assert the rights of women in marriage and family relations by exploring the legislative and institutional measures with the aim of presenting a chronicle of the existing discriminatory laws and practices that have hindered the realisation of equal treatment between men and women.
Keywords: Rights, Women, Marriage, Family, life
I. INTRODUCTION
Women hold multiple identities and in these contexts, assume different roles and responsibilities as daughters, wives and mothers. In spite of the roles women play in the society and their contributions in families, discrimination against women continues to linger in rural areas. In recognition of the discriminations against women, international and regional legal instruments have call on countries to set up standards of equal treatment between sexes. On the strength of articles, 2,9,15, and 16 (1) of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and articles 6, 7 and 21 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), Cameroon has adopted appropriate legislative and institutional measures to guarantee women equal opportunities in marriage and family relations.
