Abstract
This paper describes and evaluates Basotho customary marriage as entailed in Sesotho law. It argues that lobola (dowry) and polygamy permitted by Sesotho law are detrimental to the dignity of women, and consequently ought to be obliterated. It also argues that under customary marriage the re-marriage of widows is a barricade caused by the customary practice of the bohali (the dowry). It further argues that the long standing practice of the bohali in customary marriage perspicuously does injustice to the family of the bridegroom. Regarding polygamy allowed by customary marriage under Sesotho law it is argued that this explicitly amounts to the dehumanization of women. Ideally the paper is an attempt to rescue women from the long standing suppression by men Lesotho in as far as Basotho customary marriage is concerned.
Highlights
The problem of women subordination to men in Basotho on-going customary marriage is of utmost importance because suppression of women by men in customary marriage is detrimental to the dignity of women, and it ought to be seriously addressed and obliterated
The literature found on Basotho customary marriage, most of which was written by the first Missionaries, only describes the actual situation and not a genuine evaluation of this deplorable customary marriage
Credit must be given to the first Missionaries, to Eugene Casalis, for having put down in writing the tradition and customs of the Basotho
Summary
The problem of women subordination to men in Basotho on-going customary marriage is of utmost importance because suppression of women by men in customary marriage is detrimental to the dignity of women, and it ought to be seriously addressed and obliterated. It is in this sense that the assumption once announced by the founder of moral philosophy, Socrates (who lived around 470-399 B.C.) that the unexamined life is not worth living and that while hard thinking about issues disturbs, it consoles, is still germane today Inspired by such sagacious men of great learning and thinking I deem it most appropriate to reflect on the custom of marriage amongst the Basotho with the sole intention of attempting to perfect it. It is worth noting that the present author is the first to reflect on customary practices and dehumanization of women in Lesotho, in as far as Basotho customary marriage is concerned This is wy the only literature on Basotho customary marriage is written mainly by the first Missionaries, and as such it is purely historical and descriptive. A good Samaritan (a man) must come from outside to their rescue
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