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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.
ABOUT 4189 RESULTS
Customary Law
Sierra Leone
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), (5), and (7), no law shall make provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.
…
(3) In this section the expression “discriminatory” means affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, tribe, sex, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject, or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description.
(4) Subsection (1) shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision—
…
d. with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other interests of personal law;
e. for the application in the case of members of a particular race or tribe or customary law with respect to any matter to the exclusion of any law with respect to that matter which is applicable in the case of other persons;
… (Sec. 27)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English…
(2) When interpreting an enactment, and when developing the common law and customary law, every court, tribunal, forum or body must promote and be guided by the spirit and objectives of this Chapter13. (Sec. 46)
Customary Law
South Sudan
- EnglishThe sources of legislation in South Sudan shall be:
a. this Constitution;
b. customs and traditions of the people;
c. the will of the people; and
d. any other relevant source. (Art. 5)
Customary Law
Kenya
- English(1) Land in Kenya shall be held, used and managed in a manner that is equitable, efficient, productive and sustainable, and in accordance with the following principles—
…
(f) elimination of gender discrimination in law, customs and practices related to land and property in land;
… (Art. 60) - Swahili(1) Ardhi nchini Kenya itashikiliwa, kutumiwa na kusimamiwa kwa njia ambayo ni yenye usawa, fanisi, yenye tija na endelevu, na kwa kufuata kanuni zifuatazo-
…
(f) uondoaji wa ubaguzi wa kijinsia katika sheria, mila na desturi zinazohusiana na ardhi na mali katika ardhi;
… (Kifungu cha 60)
Customary Law
Benin
- English
The State recognizes traditional leadership [chefferie], guardian of habits [us] and customs [,] within the conditions established by the law. (Art. 151-1)
- French
L’Etat reconnait la chefferie traditionnelle gardienne des us et coutumes dans les conditions fixées par la loi. (Art. 151-1)
Customary Law
Nigeria
- English(1) A Customary Court of Appeal of a State shall exercise appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involve questions of Customary law.
(2) For the purpose of this section, a Customary Court of Appeal of a State shall exercise such jurisdiction and decide such questions as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of the State for which it is established. (Sec. 282)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English(1) A surviving spouse is entitled to a reasonable provision out of the estate of the other spouse whether the other spouse died having made a valid will or not and whether the spouses were married by civil or customary rites.
(2) Parliament shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Constitution, enact legislation regulating the property rights of spouses including common-law husband and wife. (Sec. 34)
Customary Law
Liberia
- English1. This Constitution is the supreme and fundamental law of Liberia and its provisions shall have binding force and effect on all authorities and persons throughout the Republic.
2. Any laws, treaties, statutes, decrees, customs and regulations found to be inconsistent with it shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void and of no legal effect. … (Art. 2)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The institution, status and role of traditional leaders under customary law are recognised.
(2) A traditional leader is responsible for performing the cultural, customary and traditional functions of a Chief, headperson or village head, as the case may be, for his or her community. (Sec. 280)
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)