Voreheliche Sexualitat und traditionelles Recht in Nordnamibia
In: Peripherie: Politik, Ökonomie, Kultur, Band 17, Heft 65-66, S. 157-187
ISSN: 0173-184X
Describes the changing interpretations of sexuality & gender identity in the Ovambo societies of northern Namibia, which are caught between the Christian, traditional, & colonial discourses. The intricate relationship between egalitarian & antisexist provisions in the Namibian constitution, eg, the recent Married Persons Equality Act, & traditional structures in customary law is addressed. A case of premarital pregnancy in a customary court in Oshkati is described to show conflicts between contemporary practices & customary law arising from the sexuality of youth & unwed pregnancy. This is contrasted with the formation of traditional norms & views during colonial times, & the impact of Christian missionaries on these norms is assessed. Conflicts over initiation ceremonies in the Kwambi section of the Ovambo ethnic cluster show women's ambivalence, particularly in terms of power relations & control over female sexuality. It is concluded that tradition is an important & highly controversial issue in daily life & politics, & that research would benefit by shifting focus from the traditional law of chiefs toward living traditional law. 43 References. Adapted from the source document.
