SEARCH DATABASE
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
Lesotho
- English1. Subject to the provisions of subsections (4) and (5) no law shall make any provision that 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, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status 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 to the extent that that law makes provision—
…
b. for the application, in the case of persons of any such description as is mentioned in subsection (3) (or of persons connected with such persons), of the law with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other like matters which is the personal law of persons of that description;
c. for the application of the customary law of Lesotho with respect to any matter in the case of persons who, under that law, are subject to that law;
… (Sec. 18)
Customary Law
Gambia
- English(1) The President shall appoint a District Seyfo in consultation with the Minister responsible for Local Government.
(2) The Minister responsible for Local Government may, in consultation with the Regional Governors, make recommendations to the National assembly for the creation of new Seyfo Districts. (Sec. 58)
Customary Law
Sierra Leone
- English(1) In this Constitution unless a contrary intention appears—
• “Chiefdom Council” means a Chiefdom Council constituted under the Chiefdom Councils Act;
…
• “law” includes—
a. any instrument having the force of law made in exercise of a power conferred by law;
b. customary law and any other unwritten rules of law;
… (Sec. 171)
Customary Law
Mozambique
- English1. The State shall recognise and esteem traditional authority that is legitimate according to the people and to customary law.
2. The State shall define the relationship between traditional authority and other institutions and the part that traditional authority should play in the economic, social and cultural affairs of the country, in accordance with the law. (Art. 118) - Portuguese1. O Estado reconhece e valoriza a autoridade tradicional legitimada pelas populações e segundo o direito consuetudinário.
2. O Estado define o relacionamento da autoridade tradicional com as demais instituições e enquadra a sua participação na vida económica, social e cultural do país, nos termos da lei. (Art. 118)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take reasonable measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that youths, that is to say people between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five years—
…
(e) are protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation and all forms of abuse.
… (Sec. 20)
Customary Law
Nigeria
- EnglishThe Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon by an Act of The National Assembly Exercise such appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Customary law. (Sec. 267)
Customary Law
South Africa
- English(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.
(2) Religious observances may be conducted at state or state-aided institutions, provided that-
(a) those observances follow rules made by the appropriate public authorities;
(b) they are conducted on an equitable basis; and
(c) attendance at them is free and voluntary.
(3) (a) This section does not prevent legislation recognising-
(i) marriages concluded under any tradition, or a system of religious, personal or family law; or
(ii) systems of personal and family law under any tradition, or adhered to by persons professing a particular religion.
(b) Recognition in terms of paragraph (a) must be consistent with this section and the other provisions of the Constitution. (Sec. 15)
Customary Law
Malawi
- English...
3. All men and women have the right to marry and found a family.
4. No person shall be forced to enter into marriage.
5. Subsections (3) and (4) shall apply to all marriages at law, custom and marriages by repute or by permanent cohabitation.
… (Sec. 22)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English…
(3) A woman shall not be compelled to undergo or uphold any custom to which she is in conscience opposed. (Sec. 28)
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)