Ethiopian Constitution

Article 34 Rights Relating to Marriage, the Individual and the Family

1. All men and women attaining the legal age of marriage, shall have, without any distinction as to race, nation, nationality or religion, the right to marry and found a family. They shall have equal rights in the process of contracting the marriage, its duration and dissolution. Regulations shall be enacted to protect the rights and interests of children in the event of dissolution.

2. Marriage shall be based on the free and full consent of the intending spouses.

3. The family is the natural and fundamental basis of society and hence is entitled to protection from society and the state.

4. Particulars relating to the recognition of religious and customary marriages may be determined by law.

5. This Constitution shall not preclude the right of parties to voluntarily submit their dispute for adjudication in accordance with religious or customary laws. Particulars shall be determined by law.

Article 35 The Rights of Women

5. (a) Women shall have the right to maternity leave with full remuneration. The duration of maternity leave shall be determined by law having regard to the nature of the work, the woman's health and the welfare of the child and its family.

8. Women shall have the right of access to education and information on family planning and the capability to benefit thereby so as to protect their good health and prevent health hazards resulting from child birth.