In a groundbreaking judgment, a South African court has ruled that men are legally entitled to adopt their wives’ surnames after marriage, a move hailed as a victory for gender equality.
The ruling followed petitions from men who argued that existing social and legal norms restricted them from taking their spouses’ surnames even when both parties agreed. The court held that marriage laws must reflect equality between partners, stating that men should not be denied the same freedom women enjoy in deciding their marital names.
The decision has been celebrated by rights groups, who say it dismantles outdated traditions rooted in patriarchy. Analysts also suggest it may influence other African countries to review their marital laws, which often give men more power over naming conventions.
The ruling has sparked lively debate in South Africa, with some conservatives opposing the change, while many younger citizens welcomed it as a sign of progress.
