Justice for homemakers: ruling empowers women

THE ruling which recognises non-financial contributions in divorce settlements has given hope to housewives across the country.

Women who dedicated their lives to homemaking share how this landmark judgment could protect their financial security after decades of unpaid domestic labour.

They said they were thankful that the law is taking into consideration the contributions of women during marriage, despite there being no financial contributions.

A 67-year-old Chatsworth woman, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked when she found out about the high court judgement, as she never knew that she would be entitled to a portion of her husband's money if they divorced.

She said she did not feel as if she was entitled to it as she had not worked since she began dating her husband, 70, in 1983.

“He never wanted me to work, and said he would always take care of me. We got married in 1984 and share three children together. I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and housewife, and he has been a good provider.

“He takes care of our needs, and even though our children are now adults and we share grandchildren together, he still does his best to ensure that we have comfortable lives.

“When my neighbour, who is a few years older than I am, got divorced last year and she was left with almost nothing, I began wondering if I would suffer the same fate should my husband decide to up and leave.

“I have never worked, and will not be able to get a job at my age. I wondered how I would cope and what my situation would be like. I would have no money and nowhere to go. I am pleased to hear that the law is taking women’s overall contributions into consideration before ruling in favour of husbands who are ungrateful for their wife's contributions to the household,” she said.

Another 61-year-old woman from Phoenix said she did not have enough knowledge on how divorce proceedings worked, and after suspecting that her husband was having an affair, she began seeking legal advice from a relative, who was an attorney.

“Women of our age are not concerned about divorce. We marry for life. The unfortunate reality is that some men are easily swayed and divorce becomes inevitable. I depend on my husband financially, and if I had to get divorced, I would not know how to survive.

“My husband handles the finances, and the shopping and expenses. I am the chef, the teacher, the nurse, the babysitter and the maid at home. I love all the caps that I get to wear, but it does not earn me money. My children are adults now and they give me money, but it is not enough for me to rent a space to live, or to see to my medical needs,” she added.

The woman said she decided that she would become independent and has begun learning how to use the ATM, pay accounts and use public transport.

“I hope more women decide to stand up for themselves. Not everybody has access to attorneys to fight high court battles, and it is sad when women lose everything after divorce. This case has made me realise that the law does protect women,” added the woman.

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