JOURNAL OF LAW, POLICY AND GLOBALIZATION

This article examines the impact of bride price on the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRH) of women in South Africa and Nigeria. By outlining the legal framework of both countries, the author argues that flawed interpretations of bride price directly inhibit SRH rights, which are entrenched in both international instruments (e.g., CEDAW) and domestic laws.

This paper details the nuances of modern girl child or early marriage through an examination of its causes, impacts, and contemporary countervailing pressures. The authors describe how the various risks of child marriage (marriage before a child has reached 18 years old) include physical pain from sexual intercourse, increased risk of dying, higher chances of infant mortality, a denial of a child’s right to education, and more.

This article explores the development Islamic family law and the reforms that have been made to keep the law in line with the conditions of Muslims in each country. The study conducted revealed that Indonesian and Malaysian marriage laws have given Muslim women in both countries positions closer to equal with men, but when viewed from a human rights and gender equality perspective, the marriage laws are still significantly lacking.

This article discusses the challenges that patents pose on vulnerable groups, such as women, to gain access to medicines in Nigeria. In order to realize improved access to healthcare, the article argues for the consideration, interpretation and circumvention of patent rights.