Abstract
In Setswana, the word for “polygyny” is lefufa. It also means “jealousy.” Mogadikane, the word for “co-wife” is derived from the verb meaning “to rival, annoy, or cause a pain in the stomach.”² Women complain that polygyny breeds insecurity, hostility, and witchcraft among those who find themselves in competition for their shared husband’s scarce economic and emotional resources.³ Polygyny brings with it both the humiliation of being supplanted in their husband’s affections and anxiety over access to school fees and improved housing.⁴ In many cases, women find themselves involved in a polygamous relationship without their knowledge or consent. Women outside