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 internationallaws guaranteeing their rights to own property. The aged long patriarchy and primogeniture practice whichprefers male dominance is practiced in most customs in Africa. The 21st century ushered in a new way of thinkingthat questions the continuous observance and practice of these cultures. The superior courts in Nigeria and Kenyahave relied on the constitutional provisions and other enabling Statute to proscribe some of these discriminatorycultural practices against women. The study aims at enabling women to change the narrative with regards todiscriminatory practices in other to seek gender equality. It employs the doctrinal method where literaturesrelated to the subject matter were explored. It is found out that the decisions of the Supreme Court are yet to beeffective 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 tobring about institutional change. It concludes that the collaboration of all and sundry will go a long way to makethe law and judicial prouncement in this regard practically effective.