No doubt most of these men are simply devoid of a sense of responsibility. But one needs to ask if the adversarial system here also contributes. As was rightly pointed out, those men included breadwinners who have the financial means to support their families but are not inclined to do so. They have no qualms engaging and paying solicitors to appeal against maintenance orders, have them give flimsy excuses for defaulting, or simply adjourning the case to avoid paying up.

And this is just one part when parties file for divorce. Not receiving maintenance is hard enough for many women who have to juggle roles as caregivers and providers. Unfortunately, their financial troubles do not end there. They are forced to use up their savings or incur debts, as in a contested divorce. Not surprisingly, the same men who claim to have insufficient funds to pay maintenance take out application after application in court. It seems that, in order to be heard and to get justice, one needs to fight. And that fight usually leaves the woman emotionally and financially drained. Moreover, the fight to get maintenance continues month after month, year after year.

Acknowledging the fact that an irresponsible man is usually at the root of most social problems is not enough. We need a better system that will protect women and children who have a right to be maintained.

Phyllis Christe (Ms)