Concept of Culture Relativism and Women’s Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges of the realization of women's rights in relation to the concept of culture relativism in sub-Saharan Africa. It examines how the concept of culture is misconstrued with a traditional hierarchy and patriarchy approach that intervenes in the realization of women's rights in sub-Saharan African states. Many societies are concerned that the promotion of gender equality would interfere with local culture; hence they feel that gender equality should not be promoted for ethical reasons. Women have been left with the unpleasant situation of choosing between their rights or their culture. Through secondary analysis and a critical review of the literature, the article engages in the debate on cultural diversity and gender equality, to challenge the existing stereotypes in sub-Saharan African cultures. It argues that traditional and cultural practices should adhere to the values of equality and human rights. The article proposes that cultural considerations will have to yield whenever a clear conflict with human rights norms becomes apparent.

Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Adolescents and Young Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

“…Interestingly, emerging evidence from early to mid-adolescence is beginning to disentangle the complexity of gender in the potential reciprocity in the victim-perpetrator roles among boys and girls. The idea of "dual IPV"-being a victim and a perpetrator-is a topic met with varying perspectives in the violence literature (Bates, 2016;Little, 2020) especially in more patriarchal societies where boys and men inherently benefit from societal structures and norms (Msuya, 2019). During adolescence, when gender roles are being solidified (Blum et al, 2019) and there is a window of smaller gaps in physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, strength), there may be a bidirectionality with these roles.…”

‘Moving towards understanding’, acceptability of investigations following stillbirth in sub‐Saharan Africa: A grounded theory study

“… 22 However, tradition and culture were likely to have a negative influence on women’s decisions about investigations, regulating behaviour and choice. 23 These cultural norms prevent women from exercising choice around the care of their stillborn baby and removes their ability to pursue clinical explanations. Women bound by cultural constraints are therefore unlikely to gain closure for the death, particularly in light of the limited community support available for bereaved parents.…”

“…Such health empowerment is vital in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes and reducing stillbirth 22 . However, tradition and culture were likely to have a negative influence on women’s decisions about investigations, regulating behaviour and choice 23 . These cultural norms prevent women from exercising choice around the care of their stillborn baby and removes their ability to pursue clinical explanations.…”

The UN’s Reports on Gender Stereotypes in Muslim Countries—Differentiation of Economic Development

“…Islamic feminism is rich and composed of different intellectual approaches, most acknowledging a constant tension between cultural practices and human rights, an inevitable conflict between ideological paradigms of freedom and patriarchal ideologies. But Msuya reminds us that culture is not a static, deterministic entity detached from society, rather culture is an elastic construction that transforms and responds to environmental changes (Msuya, 2019).…”