While polygamous unions are unlawful under the Liberian civil code, such marriages are perfectly permissible under the Liberia's customary law.

Dynamics

According to reports, polygamous marriages make up about one-third of all Liberian marriages.[1][verification needed] One third of married women in the age group 15-49, are in polygamous marriages.[2]

Customary law allows men to have up to 4 wives.[3] Customary law restricts a married woman's rights to inherit property from her spouse. When widowed, women are at the mercy of the customary laws that are not subject to the civil courts.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Liberia: SIG Index
  2. ^ OECD Atlas of Gender and Development: How Social Norms Affect Gender Equality in non-OECD Countries, OECD Publishing, 2010. p 236.
  3. ^ Olukoju, Ayodeji. "Gender Roles, Marriage and Family."Culture and Customs of Liberia . Westport : Greenwood Press, 2006. p 97.
  4. ^ Olukoju, Ayodeji. "Gender Roles, Marriage and Family."Culture and Customs of Liberia . Westport : Greenwood Press, 2006. p 98.
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