DISCRIMINATORY CULTURAL PRACTICES OF PROPERTY RIGHTS OF AFRICAN WOMEN DESPITE LEGAL FRAMEWORK: A CALL FOR MORE PROACTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

African women have been subjected to myriad cultural discriminatory practices despite national and international laws guaranteeing their rights to own property. The aged long patriarchy and primogeniture practice which prefers male dominance is practiced in most customs in Africa. The 21st century ushered in a new way of thinking that questions the continuous observance and practice of these cultures. The superior courts in Nigeria and Kenya have relied on the constitutional provisions and other enabling Statute to proscribe some of these discriminatory cultural practices against women. The study aims at enabling women to change the narrative with regards to discriminatory practices in other to seek gender equality. It employs the doctrinal method where literatures related to the subject matter were explored. It is found out that the decisions of the Supreme Court are yet to be effective because in practice, women remain disadvantaged and discriminated. The paper among others, recommend for the involvement and networking of women rights activist and Non Governmental organization to bring about institutional change.  It concludes that the collaboration of all and sundry will go a long way to make the law and judicial prouncement in this regard practically effective.