Onus on courts to protect women's rights _ Judge Dingake

Justice Dingake said this when handing down judgement in a case in which four Bangwaketse women were challenging the legality of a customary law that prevents female siblings from inheriting family homes."A large number of people may not be conscious of their rights. Those who are conscious may lack resources to litigate. If it so happens that they are fortune enough to approach the court and their complaint has merit, then it is the sacred duty of the courts to protect their rights," said Dingake.

The four women, Edith Mmusi, Bakhani Moima, Jane Lekoko and Mercy Ntshekisang had brought the case in 2007 against their male sibling Molefhi Ramantle. The Customary Court of Appeal and government supported this law.In the recent application in which Dingake ruled in their favour, Ramantle was cited as the First Respondent while the Customary Court of Appeal (represented by the Attorney General) (AG) was the Second Respondent.