Priccilar Vengesai, a female lawyer in Zimbabwe has ventured a legal challenge against “lobola” or bride price, saying it is an out-dated practice which reduces the worth of women to just mere “properties”.
Vengesai, who has filed papers in Zimbabwe’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, is of the opinion that the custom can only be maintained if both families pay the bride price in the interest of gender equality.
She has also pled for the court to hear her case on the ground that the practice is against her rights as a citizen.
“I did not participate in the pegging of the lobola price. I was never given a chance to ask for the justification of the amounts which were paid, she said.
This whole scenario reduced me to a property whereby a price tag was put on me by my uncles and my husband paid.
This demoralised me and automatically subjected me to my husband’s control since I would always feel that I was purchased”.
Vengasai also said she intends to re-marry but does not want previous experience in her new marriage.
“I belong to the Shona tribe and I intend to enter into marriage as soon as this matter is concluded.
Under the Shona culture, “lobola” must be paid for a woman before the marriage is acceptable in the family and the society.
In scenarios where “lobola” is not paid, parents and relatives of the bride would not allow the parties to legalise their marriage under the Marriage Act,” she added.
Where does bride price stand in Africa?
Nigeria:
In Nigeria, many customs and cultures consider a woman unmarried if the bride price has not been paid even if both parties live together. In some, she is deprived of certain rights until her bride price is paid in full.
It is also believed that the welfare of the family is the man’s responsibility and thus must pay before marrying a woman.
Zimbabwe:
“Lobola” or “Roora” as it is known in Zimbabwe is paid for by giving cattle but usually replaced with cash subject to negotiation. The tradition is seen as a way of thanking and showing appreciation to the family for taking care of the bride.
South Africa:
Also known as “lobola”, the price is either cattle or cash and sometimes both. The price is seen as a gesture of willingness to marry the lady and also commitment to care for his wife.
It is not seen as purchase but rather a way of upholding culture.
Senegal:
A small amount of money and kola nut is usually given to the family. It is not fixed and is customary and symbolic.
Burkina Faso:
The bride price is commonly paid in Burkinabe culture and is largely a symbolic act.
There is no set amount and a little money is given, but it is mainly in goods such as kola nuts, drinks and some ethnic groups may give a goat.
However, a bride’s family is not normally too demanding.
Niger:
In Niger there is an official maximum rate for a bride price of 50,000 CFA francs ($83, £54) but many pay much more than this.
The price is agreed between the families, but it is seen as a symbolic act rather than about buying the wife.
Uganda:
In Uganda, its apex Court has legalised the payment of bride price involving paying his future wife’s family an agreed amount.
However, the refund of the bride price has been abolished and banned upon dissolution of the marriage.
