Is polygamy a feminist issue?

For many of you who are not familiar with the term polygamy; it is where one husband has more than one wife.

Polygamy has raised many issues amongst women. While it might be a religious or cultural issue to many e.g. in Islam or Zulu culture, feminist issues are being raised worldwide.

A lot of people think that polygamist men support their wives and children financially. In the Qur’an (Holy Book for Muslims), there is a verse that clearly allows for polygamy. However, one should not forget, that the verse following this contains strict restriction, “….and if you fear that you cannot do justice (to so many) then (marry) one only . . . .”. There are exceptions to every rule, there are a few wealthy polygamist men who have their homes where their women and children are not living in poverty. In Indonesia, laws are made to accommodate men who wish to marry multiple times, even if they lack the financial means to do so.

Polygamy is a lifestyle that depends on women to make it work. Many might see polygamy where women's basic civil rights and basic human rights are violated every day. In certain countries (where polygamy is practised) some women rights are respected and protected but how does their choices impact on women in general? Will every wife have a happy sex life? Will the wives live in harmony or will there be jealousy among them?

I feel that the question of polygamy is not an easy one to resolve, especially for feminists. Or at least for people (like myself) who believe at the same time that people should generally be free to make whatever romantic, sexual or matrimonial choices they want and that women should have just as much freedom, power and rights as men.