SHE-HIVE Raises Awareness on Marriage Inheritance Laws During 16 Days of Activism Campaign
In observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, SHE-HIVE seized the opportunity to shed light on marriage inheritance laws during a campaign held at Teyateyaneng on Friday. The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about legal protections available to individuals in abusive marriages and the types of marriages that are legally recognized in Lesotho.
At the event, members of the community were informed that only two types of marriages—customary law and civil law marriages—are legally recognized in Lesotho. This information was shared to ensure that people understand their legal rights and protections when it comes to marriage and inheritance.
Mrs. Maamelo Letsie, a board member of SHE-HIVE and Vice Secretary, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the plight of many individuals, particularly women, who have suffered in abusive marriages. She highlighted that many people live in abusive relationships without realizing that legal instruments such as marriage inheritance laws could offer them protection.
“Many women have endured years of abuse in marriages, often unaware of their rights under the law. Some have been forced to leave their marriages, only to return later, still with unhealed emotional wounds, in order to protect their marriage status and secure the well-being of their children,” Mrs. Letsie explained.
Her speech brought to the forefront the harsh realities of marital abuse, stressing the importance of educating people about the legal recourse available to them. SHE-HIVE’s effort to address marriage inheritance laws is part of a broader mission to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their rights and safety, particularly in the context of marriage and family.
The event provided a platform for discussing how laws can protect those trapped in toxic relationships and ensure their rights are upheld, including issues related to property inheritance. By raising awareness of these legal protections, SHE-HIVE hopes to inspire more individuals to seek help and understand the full extent of their rights within the framework of Lesotho’s marriage laws.
Through initiatives like these, SHE-HIVE is playing a pivotal role in educating the public and empowering vulnerable individuals to break free from abusive marriages and seek justice through the legal system. The ultimate goal is to create a society where everyone, especially women, can live free from violence and oppression, knowing that their legal rights provide a means of protection.