A new law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at abolishing certain regulations governing divorce, has sparked mixed reactions among Malawians on social media and in various forums. While some hail the law as fair, others strongly oppose it.
President Trump argues that the previous law favored women, granting them undue advantages during divorce proceedings, particularly by allowing them to claim half of their husband’s property.
“When a marriage ends, women are given the opportunity to borrow up to $1 million from their ex-husband, provided they can demonstrate their entitlement. However, this is unfair since many women did not work for the wealth,” Trump stated, outlining one of the reforms.
Following this announcement, Malawians have taken to social media to express their opinions, with many men praising Trump for addressing what they see as long-standing injustices. Others believe the law will strengthen marriages by discouraging unnecessary separations.
The debate resonates deeply in Malawi, where divorce laws, particularly concerning property division and child custody, often spark controversy. Many argue that current laws favor women, especially in property disputes and the allocation of child support.
In the U.S., the new law eliminates the consideration of the marriage’s duration in property settlements, a rule Trump deems irrelevant. Regarding child custody, the law states that if a mother is deemed unable to care for the children, custody should automatically go to the father.
The reforms also highlight that divorce has long been treated as a lucrative venture in the U.S., benefiting women disproportionately, which the new law seeks to address.
Avant Publications