Marriage Rights

Marriage Rights of Women in Sri Lanka: Violations and Remedies

Introduction

Marriage is a union built on mutual respect, equality, and shared responsibility. However, for many women in Sri Lanka, these principles are often compromised due to cultural, legal, and systemic challenges. Understanding marriage rights and addressing violations is crucial for ensuring a safe and equitable society.

(Visual Suggestion: A banner image of a traditional Sri Lankan wedding alongside an empowered woman holding a legal document.)

Key Marriage Rights for Women in Sri Lanka

  1. Equal Rights in Marriage
    • Under the Sri Lankan Constitution, women are entitled to equal rights and responsibilities in marriage.
    • The General Marriage Ordinance governs civil marriages, ensuring equality in property ownership, consent, and decision-making.
  2. Right to Consent
    • A woman has the absolute right to freely consent to marriage without coercion, as per Sri Lankan law.
  3. Protection from Domestic Violence
    • The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, No. 34 of 2005, safeguards women from abuse within marriage.
  4. Right to Maintenance
    • A married woman has the right to financial support from her spouse under the Maintenance Act.
  5. Right to Divorce and Custody
    • Women can initiate divorce proceedings and claim custody of children in cases of abuse, adultery, or neglect.

(Visual Suggestion: Icons depicting consent, property rights, and legal protection.)

Examples of Marriage Rights Violations

1. Forced Marriages

  • Cultural or societal pressure forcing women into marriages without their consent.

2. Domestic Violence

  • Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse within the marriage.

3. Economic Exploitation

  • Denial of property rights or financial support by the spouse.

4. Polygamy and Adultery

  • Cases where husbands enter into multiple marriages or engage in extramarital relationships without the woman’s consent.

5. Child Marriages

  • Though illegal, underage marriages still occur in some communities, violating girls’ rights to education and autonomy.

(Visual Suggestion: An illustration of a woman in distress, symbolizing forced or abusive marriages.)

How to Take Action Against Marriage Rights Violations

1. Reporting Domestic Violence

  • Contact the National Women’s Committee or local police to report abuse.
  • Apply for protection orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

(Visual Suggestion: An infographic showing steps to report domestic violence.)

2. Seeking Legal Help

  • File a case for maintenance or divorce through the Family Court.
  • Approach organizations like Women In Need (WIN) for free legal advice and support.

(Visual Suggestion: A woman consulting a lawyer with legal documents in hand.)

3. Community Awareness

  • Educate communities about women’s rights in marriage through workshops or awareness campaigns.

4. Reporting Child Marriages

  • Alert the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) or Women and Children’s Bureau if you suspect child marriages.

(Visual Suggestion: Hotline numbers with an image of a “No to Child Marriage” campaign.)

Challenges in Addressing Marriage Rights Violations

  1. Cultural Barriers:
    • Traditional norms often discourage women from speaking out against violations.
  2. Lack of Awareness:
    • Many women are unaware of their legal rights within marriage.
  3. Fear of Social Stigma:
    • Fear of judgment or ostracism often prevents women from seeking help.
  4. Limited Legal Enforcement:
    • While laws exist, enforcement is sometimes weak, especially in rural areas.

(Visual Suggestion: A pie chart showing statistics of reported vs. unreported violations.)

Government and NGO Support for Women’s Marriage Rights

  1. Legal Frameworks:
    • The General Marriage Ordinance and Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act provide legal structures to govern marriages.
    • The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act protects women from abuse.
  2. Awareness Campaigns:
    • Government initiatives and NGOs actively promote awareness of marriage rights through media and community programs.
  3. Support Services:
    • Organizations like Women In Need (WIN) and National Committee on Women offer counseling, legal aid, and shelter for victims.

(Visual Suggestion: A campaign image showing women attending a rights awareness workshop.)

Steps Women Can Take to Protect Their Marriage Rights

  1. Understand Your Rights:
    • Learn about your legal entitlements under Sri Lankan marriage laws.
  2. Speak Up:
    • Report any violations to local authorities or women’s organizations.
  3. Seek Community Support:
    • Engage with women’s groups or NGOs to gain strength in numbers.
  4. File for Legal Recourse:
    • Pursue legal remedies for violations like abuse, lack of consent, or denial of maintenance.

(Visual Suggestion: A strong, confident woman standing with a lawyer in front of a courthouse.)

Conclusion

Protecting women’s rights in marriage is essential for building an equitable society. By understanding their rights and taking action against violations, women in Sri Lanka can overcome cultural and legal challenges to create a more just future.

(Visual Suggestion: A happy family setting alongside a confident woman holding legal documents, symbolizing empowerment and justice.)