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| Gabon | |
 Flag of Gabon | |
| Population (in Mil.) | 1.5 |
 Sex Ratio (m/f)
| 0,99 |
 Life Expectancy Ratio (f/m)
| 1.05 |
 Fertility Rate
| 3.35 |
 Income Ratio (f/m)
| 0.59 |
 Literacy Ratio (f/m)
| n/a |
 Tertiary Enrolment Ratio (f/m)
| 0,53 |
 Women in Parliament (in %)
| 9,2 |
| SIGI Rank | 84 |
| More information on variables | |
| Did you know that Gabon ranks number 84 of 102 countries on the OECD Social Institutions and Gender Index? To learn more, see the official country note "Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Gabon" at genderindex.org: | |
In Gabon, the Constitution ensures that men and women are equal before the law. However, there are a number of attitudes and cultural practices that represent genuine obstacles to the social advancement of Gabonese women. There is also a persistence of discriminatory legal provisions within the civil and penal codes, particularly pertaining to marriage and family relations.
Contents |
Family Code
Concerning early marriage, the minimum legal age of marriage is 15 years for women and 18 years for men. An estimated 22% of women between 15 and 19 years old are currently married, divorced or widowed.
The penal code allows both men and women to have several spouses, but in practice the right of polygamy is reserved for men. By law, couples must stipulate at the time of marriage whether they intend to adhere to a monogamous or a polygamous relationship; polygamous marriages are traditionally more common. Discrimination exists in the sense that even if the option of monogamy is chosen, the husband may later refuse this option during marriage and choose the polygamous option.
Concerning parental authority, the husband is the head of the family and has parental authority over the children.
Concerning inheritance, a widow shall be deprived of her right of usufruct if she remarries into a family other than that of her deceased spouse. The husband's family must issue a written authorization before his widow can inherit property.
Physical Integrity
Although illegal, female genital mutilation (FGM) is believed to occur among immigrants living in Gabon.
Concerning violence against women, instances of domestic rape are prevalent; the problem is real and has become widespread. Other types of violence are also common. Statistics on persons prosecuted for violence against women are not available. There is no specific legislation to eliminate violence against women, including domestic violence. Rape is against the law and carries a penalty of between five and ten years' imprisonment. However, rape cases are seldom prosecuted. Only limited medical and legal assistance for rape victims is available.
Concerning the problem of missing women, the sex ratio is close to 1.00 today. However, this ratio is growing and the World Population database estimates this ratio will be over 1.02 after 2025 and over 1.03 after 2035. Missing women may become a problematic issue in the next years.
Civil Liberties
There are restrictions on freedom of movement for married women insofar that the National Office for Documentation and Immigration requires that a husband gives his permission if his wife wishes to travel outside of Gabon. With regards to choice of residence, the husband chooses the family residence and the wife is obliged to live with him.
There is no limitation to the women’s freedom of dress.
Ownership Rights
Concerning access to land, land laws make no distinction between men and women with respect to obtaining land for building purposes. However, married women cannot own their own land, as land is always the property of the husband.
The legal right to bank loans is recognized for all persons, male or female. However, certain discriminatory attitudes do persist with respect to married women. Some banks require that a wife obtain her husband’s permission before opening an account. Moreover, because of their low incomes, women are often excluded from the classic banking systems and are not guaranteed access to loans.
Single women can administer their own assets, including property. In the case of the married couple, the marital regime determines the administration of assets. Under the regime of the separation of assets, each spouse is responsible for his or her own assets. Under the joint estate regime, the husband is the only administrator. This system is accepted socially and practiced widely and affords women no property rights.
Sources
- CEDAW (2003), Considerations of reports submitted by states parties under article 18 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; combined second, thrid, fourth and fifth periodic reports of States parties - Gabon, CEDAW/C/GAB/2-5, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
- CEDAW (2005), Responses to the list of issues and questions for consideration of the combined second, third, and fourth periodic reports, CEDAW/PSWG/2005/I/CRP.2/Add.2, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
- CEDAW (2005), Concluding comments, CEDAW/C/GAB/CC/2-5, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
- UN (2003), Integration of the Human Rights of Women and the Gender Perspective, Violence against Women . Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Ms. Radhila Coomaraswamy, submitted in accordance with commision on Human Rights resolution
- UN (2006a), World Population Prospects, Population data base, United Nations Population division , New York: UN
- US. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (2006), Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Gabon, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
- US. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (2007), International Religious Freedom Report, Gabon, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
