POLYGAMY: VIOLATION OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF WOMEN

Abstract

Polygamy is not a new concept, it started in the olden days and it is still being practiced especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. Reproductive and sexual rights of women have never been accorded full attention and recognition in many parts of the world till date. This may be as a result of wide spread illiteracy on the part of women and certain cultural and political factors. As result, women's rights to reproduction and sexual rights are violated. This has brought pains and regrets to many women especially the ones engaged in polygamous marriage. This research had set out to critically review polygamy and how it violates sexual and Reproductive rights of women. The research methodology was doctrinal approach, using expository and analytical research design. The main sources of data collection were various legal literatures, both from the physical library and the e-library. It was observed that Nigerian legislators and the judiciary do not adopt the sound principles and related provisions in foreign jurisdictions to advance women’s sexual and reproductive rights against the practice of polygamy. Therefore, it was recommended among others that Nigerian legislators and the judiciary should adopt the sound principles and related provisions in foreign jurisdictions to advance women’s sexual and reproductive rights to check the illegality of polygamy. Finally, this article was made to be significant to all stakeholders in human right and feminism.