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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Social and Legal Position of Lyela Women (Burkina Faso)
Author:Steinbrich, SabineISNI
Year:1990
Periodical:Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
Issue:30-31
Pages:139-164
Language:English
Geographic term:Burkina Faso
Subjects:Lyélé
women
Cultural Roles
Law, Legal Issues, and Human Rights
Status of Women
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/07329113.1990.10756427
Abstract:This article analyses the social and legal position of women among the Lyela of Burkina Faso. It is based on field research carried out in a Lyela village from August 1982 to March 1984. Special attention is paid to three factors which are considered important for the position of women: the Earth cult and the juridical role of the 'Earth priest', the most important traditional religious and legal authority among the Lyela; Lyela marriage law and customs, with special regard to niece fostering and sororal polygyny; and the link that is made in Lyela cosmological thought between the moral conduct of women and the well-being of children, and hence ultimately the well-being of the whole community. The author further shows that French colonial law did not substantially change the situation of Lyela women. Today, a growing number of Lyela women seize the opportunity to leave the region, amongst others to free themselves from untenable forced marriages. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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