From the mansions to the margins: fear and sigma of divorce and its implication for married women in Uganda

The dissolution of a marriage has a more devastating effect on women, who are more likely to experience social isolation and to be stripped of their home and other assets. Women in Ugandan marriages are susceptible to a variety of injustices and inequalities, including rape and violence in the home. Even though the legislation in Uganda permits them to file for divorce, many women are trapped in violent and abusive marriages and are hesitant to leave for fear of the social shame that would follow them if they did. Despite this, there is data that suggests that as gender equality in the country and the area improves, an increasing number of women are looking to leave their marriages. On the other hand, gendered divorce penalties may be imposed on remarriage in traditional communities. Even though the constitution of the country makes the right of married women abundantly plain, the consequence is the stigmatization that relates to getting a divorce, particularly towards women. Considering this, the goal of this study is to analyse women's perceptions on the dread and stigma of divorce, their resilience in their unhappy and/or abusive marriages and the consequences this has for their views on marital rights in Uganda. Specifically, the research will focus on women in Uganda. This was done through qualitative research, mainly compiling, and analysing information obtained from interview sessions with women that have divorced from their spouses and those who have considered divorce but did not go through with it.