Implications of patriarchal customs on the enjoyment of human rights by women and children in South Africa

Abstract

This study argues that in South Africa, women and children lack sufficient knowledge about their human rights, specifically their cultural rights. Human rights are inherent in everyone simply because they are human. Human rights serve as the foundation on which entitlements and minimum standards for every individual are built. The essence of human rights is to protect each person’s dignity and promote their welfare, including those of women and children. This study focused on the implications of cultural norms on the rights of women and children in South Africa. It validated the findings of scholars on the implications of cultural practices on human rights.