Traditions and customs violating human rights

Traditions and customs violating human rights

Traditions and customs are important aspects of a society's culture. They help shape identities, values, and social structures, passed from one generation to the next. However, some traditions, despite their cultural significance, may violate human rights. This is particularly concerning when harmful practices are justified by tradition or cultural norms.

In Tanzania, there are customs that, unfortunately, violate the basic rights of individuals, especially women and children. Some of these harmful traditions include:

Early marriage

Early marriage refers to the practice of marrying girls (and sometimes boys) at a young age, often before they are physically or emotionally ready. Despite legal frameworks like the Marriage Act of 1971, which sets the legal marriage age at 14 for girls and 18 for boys, some communities still uphold early marriage due to:

1. Poverty: Families may marry off daughters to reduce the financial burden.
2. Outdated customs and traditions: Long-standing practices that place a higher value on marriage than education.
3. Initiation ceremonies: Cultural rites that often lead to early marriages.
4. Dowry: The practice of receiving a dowry for a girl, sometimes encourages early marriage.
5. Community pressure: Fear of shame if a girl becomes pregnant outside of marriage.

Effects of early marriage

1. Health risks: Early pregnancy can lead to complications like increased maternal and child mortality rates.
2. HIV/AIDS spread: Younger brides may be more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Exclusion from education: Early marriage often leads to girls being excluded from school, limiting their opportunities for personal growth.
4. Poverty: Early marriages often result in economic hardship, as the young bride may not be able to provide for herself or her family.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is often carried out by traditional practitioners, commonly known as Ngaribas, and is considered a violation of human rights because it causes severe physical and psychological harm to girls and women.

Effects of FGM

1. Physical harm: Pain, shock, and body damage are immediate consequences.
2. Excessive bleeding: FGM can lead to serious, life-threatening bleeding.
3. Spread of diseases: The procedure can lead to infections, including HIV/AIDS, due to unsterilized instruments.
4. Complications during childbirth: Women who have undergone FGM may face difficulty during labor.
5. Death: In extreme cases, the procedure can lead to death due to excessive bleeding or infection.

Widow inheritance

In some communities, when a woman's husband dies, she may be forced to marry a relative of her late husband. This practice is often seen as a way of ensuring that the widow remains within the family, but it strips her of her personal rights and autonomy, violating her right to choose her partner.

Gender inequality in education and property rights

In some areas, girls face discrimination when it comes to access to education and the right to own property. This can limit their future opportunities, perpetuating gender inequality. For example, families might prioritize boys' education over girls' or deny women the right to inherit land or property.

The need for change

To protect the rights of individuals, especially girls and women, society needs to be educated about these harmful customs and traditions. It is crucial to raise awareness and challenge the belief systems that allow human rights violations to persist. Legal frameworks, education, and community engagement are vital in promoting change and ensuring that every individual can enjoy their basic human rights without discrimination or harm.