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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
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Customary Law
Solomon Islands
- English(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978(a) Solomon Islands shall be divided into Honiara city and provinces.
(2) Parliament shall by law -
...
(b) make provision for the government of Honiara city and the provinces and consider the role of traditional chiefs in the provinces. (Sec. 114)
Customary Law
Chad
- English… feminine genital mutilations, premature marriages as well as other forms of debasement of the human being are prohibited. (Art. 19)
- Arabic... يحظر تشويه الأعضاء التناسلية الأنثوية والزواج المبكر إلى جانب أشكال أخرى من الحط من الإنسان. (المادة 19)
- French… les mutilations génitales féminines, les mariages précoces ainsi que toutes les autres formes d'avilissement de l'être humain sont interdits. (Art. 19)
Customary Law
Côte d’Ivoire
- English
…
The State promotes and protects the cultural patrimony as well as the habits and customs which are not contrary to public order and morality. (Art. 24) - French
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L’Etat promeut et protège le patrimoine culturel ainsi que les us et coutumes qui ne sont pas contraires à l’ordre public et aux bonnes mœurs. (Art. 24)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English(1) A bill (including any amendment to a bill) which, in the opinion of the presiding officer would affect or alter any matter regulated in terms of this section shall only be introduced in the Senate.
(2) Where a bill, in terms of this section, is duly introduced the Senate shall not proceed to the Second Reading of that bill until
(a) a copy of that bill has been sent by the President to the Council of Chiefs, and
(b) a period of sixty days has elapsed since the copy was sent to the Council in terms of paragraph (a).
(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), where a bill affecting or altering any of the matters referred to in this section has been introduced in and passed by the Senate and has been sent to the House at least sixty days before the end of the session but has not within that period been passed by both Chambers, the bill shall be referred to a joint sitting of the Senate and the House in accordance with the provisions of the First Schedule.
(4) A bill having been duly introduced in and passed by the Senate shall not be referred to a joint sitting in terms of subsection (3) where the bill
(a) has been sent to the House at least sixty days before the end of the session, and
(b) has not been considered by the House within sixty days after the bill is so sent,
but shall, unless the Senate otherwise agrees, be presented to the King for assent.
(5) A bill shall not be presented to the King for assent in terms of subsection (4) unless the Senate so resolves by two-thirds majority of all the Senators.
(6) The provisions of this section apply to a bill which, in the opinion of the presiding officer would, if enacted, alter or affect
(a) the status, powers or privileges, designation or recognition of the Ngwenyama, Ndlovukazi or Umntfwanenkhosi Lomkhulu;
(b) the designation, recognition, removal, powers, of chief or other traditional authority;
(c) the organisation, powers or administration of Swazi (customary) courts or chiefs’ courts;
(d) Swazi law and custom, or the ascertainment or recording of Swazi law and custom;
(e) Swazi nation land; or
(f) Incwala, Umhlanga (Reed Dance), Libutfo (Regimental system) or similar cultural activity or organisation.
(7) Subject to the provisions of this section, the matters listed under subsection (6) shall continue to be regulated by Swazi law and custom. (Sec. 115)
Customary Law
South Sudan
- English…
4. All levels of government shall:
...
b. enact laws to combat harmful customs and traditions which undermine the dignity and status of women;
… (Art. 16)
Customary Law
Gabon
- EnglishThe Gabonese people, …
Solemnly proclaim their adherence to their profound and traditional social values, to their cultural, material and spiritual patrimony, to respect for the freedoms, the rights and the duties of the citizen.
… (Preamble) - FrenchLe peuple gabonais, …
Proclame solennellement son attachement à ses valeurs sociales profondes et traditionnelles, à son patrimoine culturel, matériel et spirituel, au respect des libertés, des droits et des devoirs du citoyen.
… (Préambule)
Customary Law
Togo
- EnglishEvery Togolese citizen has the right to circulate freely and to establish themselves in the national territory in any place [point] of their choice within the conditions defined by the law or local custom. … (Art. 22)
- FrenchTout citoyen togolais a le droit de circuler librement et de s'établir sur le territoire national en tout point de son choix dans les conditions définies par la loi ou la coutume locale. … (Art. 22)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) Traditional leaders must—
(a) act in accordance with this Constitution and the laws of Zimbabwe;
(b) observe the customs pertaining to traditional leadership and exercise their functions for the purposes for which the institution of traditional leadership is recognised by this Constitution; and
(c) treat all persons within their areas equally and fairly.
(2) Traditional leaders must not—
(a) be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics;
(b) act in a partisan manner;
(c) further the interests of any political party or cause; or
(d) violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person. (Sec. 281)
Customary Law
Ghana
- English(1) Subject to clause (2) of this article, the State shall take steps to encourage the integration of appropriate customary values into the fabric of national life through formal and informal education and the conscious introduction of cultural dimensions to relevant aspects of national planning.
(2) The State shall ensure that appropriate customary and cultural values are adapted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the society as a whole; and in particular that traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished.
… (Art. 39)
Customary Law
Uganda
- EnglishWhere a traditional leader or cultural leader exists in a region the traditional or cultural leader shall-
a. be the titular head of the regional government;
b. be the titular head of the regional assembly and shall open, address and close the sessions of the regional assembly; and
c. enjoy the benefits, privileges and roles as provided for in article 246 of this Constitution and by Parliament and the regional assembly. (Fifth Schedule: Regional governments, Art. 8)