The impact of commercialization of bride price on women’s rights

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the commercialization of bride price on the rights of women in west Moyo County, in Moyo district. The study was prompted from the need to explore why bride price is being commercialized today. The study aimed to investigate the changing trends in the practice of bride price today on women’s right in the institution of marriage. The research employed case study as the research design. Data collection was through the use of interviewing, focus group discussions and observation as well as document review. The sample size comprised of eighty respondents that was sampled from a total population of 147,528 in west Moyo County. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select the sample size that included village elders, local council leaders, community development officers and students. Majority of the respondents namely men, women and the youth generally supported the payment of bride price because it is a sign of token of appreciation for the up bringing of the bride by her parents. It also shows commitment from the side of the man that he is responsible person to take care of the bride and above all it encourages the development of family union in the patriarchal society of the Madi community. The respondents observed that there should be no rush in banning bride price, since it is not only the primary cause of violence against women. Bride price gave women security after the death of their husband for example the legitimacy to own land and inherit the children left by the deceased husband. The study provides a deeper analysis that the commercialization of bride price tends to act as a barrier to marriage and family life especially when the bride price is being exaggerated. Thus it becomes hard for the bridegroom to offer the payment, and yet the bride needs the man. This makes women to be treated as purchased property, which violates the fundamental freedom and rights of women. The main recommendation is to break the silence and create awareness programmes on this burning issue about the commercialization of bride price which is against the fundamental freedom and rights of women in marriage and family.