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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Law reform from within: improving the legal status of women in northern Namibia
Author:Hinz, Manfred O.ISNI
Year:1997
Periodical:Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
Issue:39
Pages:69-79
Language:English
Geographic term:Namibia
Subjects:customary law
Ndongo polity
women
law
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/07329113.1997.10756492
Abstract:The recording and self-stating of laws (be it in writing, be it orally in a ritualized manner) is not new to certain communities in Namibia. A case in point is 'The Laws of Ondongo' (Ooveta dhoshilongo shOndonga) containing the self-stated laws of Ondonga, an Oshiwambo-speaking community in northern Namibia, the area formerly known as Owamboland (Ovamboland). The laws of Ondonga were first enacted in January 1989. Amendments to the 1989 'Ooveta' introduced by the Ondonga King's Council came into force on 20 August 1993 and included, most importantly, changes to improve the gender balance and the protection of widows. Henceforth widows would not only be allowed to remain on the land they had occupied with their husbands (at variance with the land inheritance concept linked to the matrilineal kinship system governing all Owambo communities), but they would no longer be required to pay. Such law reform from within illustrates the law-making power of traditional authorities and is a much better guarantee for the acceptance of new laws than enactment by parliament, even with consultations. Bibliogr.
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