Married Persons Equality Act

The Married Persons Equality Act (the “Act”) abolishes the marital power of the husband over his wife and her property and amends community property laws. It further provides women with the power to register immovable property in their own name, gives them legal capacity to litigate and contract, and allows them to act as directors of companies. The Act also establishes that the minimum age for marriage is 18, thereby prohibiting child marriages.

Topics

• Divorce and dissolution of marriage
• Forced and early marriage
• Gender discrimination
• Harmful traditional practices
• Property and inheritance rights

Geographical location

• Africa
• Namibia

Keywords

• customary law
• marriage
• marital power
• constitutional rights

Year

• 1996

External URL

• Married Persons Equality Act

Type

• Legislation

Jurisdiction

• Namibia