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 AFROL
Gender Profiles:
Chad
Chad has lived through a history of conflict and civil war since
independence, but seems now to achieve more political stability
under the present regime. It remains, however, a chronically poverty
stricken country, where traditions remain vivid among the
predominantly rural population. The upcoming oil production, linked
with promised social investments, gives hope for a brighter future,
though. So far, however, local traditions unfavourable to women
remain the norm in the women of Chad's life.
Domestic violence is
not uncommon. Wives are subject to the authority of their husbands by tradition.
Educational
opportunities for girls are limited.
Families
arrange marriages for girls as young as the age of 11 and 12.
Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced on 60% of all females, prior to puberty.
The >most invasive procedure, infibulation, is confined largely to the region on the eastern border with Sudan.
Each woman in Chad averagely gives birth to 6,63 children (2000 est.).
Social data
Life expectancy: Total population: 50,49 years
male: 48,5 years
female: 52,56 years (2000 est.)
Alphabetization rate: Total population: 48,1%
male: 62,1%
female: 34,7% (1995 est.)
Medical services: 26% of the people have access to medical
services. ( 33.000 persons per doctor).
Sex ratio: at birth: 1,04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1,01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0,89 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0,72 male(s)/female
total population: 0,94 male(s)/female (2000 est.)
Religious data: Traditional African religions 38,57%, Christian
11,43%, Muslim 50%.
Family and tradition
Property and inheritance laws do not discriminate against women, but traditional practice favors men. Exploitation of women is especially pervasive in rural areas where women do most of the agricultural labor and are discouraged from formal schooling.
In August the Government held meetings with representatives of religious groups and civil society to update the Family Code. In the absence of a comprehensive law governing women's rights, the Family Code sets the parameters of women's rights under the law.
Educational opportunities for girls are limited, mainly because of tradition. About as many girls as boys are enrolled in primary school, but the percentage of girls enrolled in secondary school is extremely low, primarily because of early marriage. Although the law prohibits sexual relations with a girl under the age of 14, even if married, this law rarely is enforced, and families arrange marriages for girls as young as the age of 11 or 12, sometimes forcibly, for the financial gain of a dowry. Many wives then are obligated to work long hours of physical labor for their husbands in fields or homes.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced on about
60% of all females and is especially prevalent among ethnic groups
in the east and the south. FGM is usually performed prior to puberty
as a rite of passage, an occasion that many families use to profit
from gifts from their communities.
Gender sensitivity in society
Discrimination against women remains widespread. In practice women do not have equal opportunities for education and training, making it difficult for them to compete for the few formal sector jobs.
The Constitution provides for equal rights for all citizens, regardless of origin, race, religion, political opinion, or social status. In practice cultural traditions maintain women in a status subordinate to men, and the Government favors its ethnic supporters and allies.
The Government promoted increased awareness of women's rights in March by sponsoring a National Women's Congress in Moundou in honor of international women's day. Although the meetings did not result in formal resolutions or a groundbreaking political action plan, the meetings nevertheless served to focus attention on many of the problems that confront women.
Women are underrepresented in Government and politics; few women hold senior leadership positions. There are 2 women of cabinet rank and 3 female members of the 125-seat National Assembly.
Health data
Access to potable water: 74%
Medical services: 26% of the people have access to medical
services. ( 33.000 persons per doctor).
Maternal mortality rate: 1.500/100.000
Infant mortality: 96,66 deaths/1.000 live births (2000 est.)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): About 60% of females undergo this
practice.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), which is widely condemned by international health experts as damaging to both physical and psychological health, is widespread--estimated to have been practiced on about 60 percent of all females--and deeply rooted in tradition. Advocated by women as well as by men, the practice is especially prevalent among ethnic groups in the east and south, where it was introduced from Sudan. All three types of FGM are practiced. The least common but most invasive procedure, infibulation, is confined largely to the region on the eastern border with Sudan. FGM usually is performed prior to puberty as a rite of passage, an occasion that many families use to profit from gifts from their communities.
Opposition to the elimination of FGM is strong. Both the Government and the NGO community in recent years have conducted active and sustained public education campaigns against the practice. A 1995 law makes FGM theoretically a prosecutable offense as a form of assault, and charges can be brought against the parents of FGM victims, medical practitioners, or others involved in the action; however, no suits have been brought under the law.
Violence against women
While no statistics are available, domestic violence against women is believed to be common. By tradition wives are subject to the authority of their husbands, and they have only limited legal recourse against abuse. Family or traditional authorities may act in such cases, but police rarely intervene.
Main sources: U.S. Department of State, CIA,
UN, HRW, Mundo negro
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