Polygamy in Liberia explained

While polygamous unions are unlawful under the Liberian civil code, such marriages are perfectly permissible under the Liberia's customary law.

Dynamics

According to reports, polygamous marriages make up about one-third of all Liberian marriages.^[1] One third of married women in the age group 15-49, are in polygamous marriages.^[2]

Customary law allows men to have up to 4 wives.^[3] Customary law restricts a married woman's rights to inherit property from her spouse. When widowed, women are at the mercy of the customary laws that are not subject to the civil courts.^[4]

See also

• Gender inequality in Liberia

References

1. https://www.genderindex.org/wp-content/uploads/files/datasheets/LR.pdf Liberia: SIG Index
2. OECD Atlas of Gender and Development: How Social Norms Affect Gender Equality in non-OECD Countries, OECD Publishing, 2010. p 236.
3. Olukoju, Ayodeji. "Gender Roles, Marriage and Family."Culture and Customs of Liberia . Westport : Greenwood Press, 2006. p 97.
4. Olukoju, Ayodeji. "Gender Roles, Marriage and Family."Culture and Customs of Liberia . Westport : Greenwood Press, 2006. p 98.