Title:
Passive victims or active agents? : experiences of widow inheritance in Uganda
Authors:
Nyanzi, S.
,
Walakira-Emodu, M.
Year:
2008
Serial number:
1
Journal:
Exchange on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and gender
Pages:
7
-
9
ISSN:
1871-7551
Language:
eng
Subject:
Culture, Society and Religion
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
culture
,
law
,
women
Abstract:
Widow inheritance is an ancient custom among the Baganda, who are the largest ethnic group in Uganda. In the absence of state provision of a welfare system of any sort, this cultural institution protected both the widowed and the orphaned. As the sexual rituals connected to the widow inheritance ceremonies are often forced upon widows, this use of force not only increases their risk of HIV infection but also violates their sexual and reproductive rights. The Ugandan Succession Act does not ensure equal inheritance rights for women; a woman’s access to land and property rights is dependent on her marital status. Not all widows can negotiate their way out of sexual advances by those wishing to inherit them. This is particularly due to poverty, unemployment and other factors. Widow inheritance is common in several countries in Africa and Asia, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, and China.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Country:
Uganda
Region:
Africa South of Sahara
,
East Africa
Category:
General
Right:
© 2008 KIT
Document type:
E-article
File:
120688.pdf