Culture and women's rights: assessment of the practice of widow inheritance and succession from relativist and universalist views. (14th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zewdie, Kelemework Birukie
• Is Part Of: International journal of human rights and constitutional studies. Volume 8:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 196
• Publication Date: 2021-05-14
• Subjects: human rights -- women rights -- widow -- widow rights; Human rights -- Periodicals; Constitutional law -- Periodicals; 342.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-103X

Abstract

Widow inheritance is a practice in which a widow remarries her brother-in-law or relatives of her deceased husband after his bereavement. It is believed, on the one hand, protects women hardship of widowhood, and on the other hand, the practice directly goes against the rights of women. Accordingly, the manuscript discusses about the practice and nature of widow inheritance from the perspectives of relativist approach and universalist understanding. While relatives are more likely pro to practice of widow inheritance, universalists and feminists seriously criticised the practice of widow inheritance as an action or norms that made women subject to customary practice and negatively affect women's physical, psychological and social development. Thus, in order to create conducive and protective environment of women's rights there should be cultural change through creating awareness and legislating normative framework.