67. It is disconcerting that more women believe that human rights are incompatible with Islam and strongly support the statement “A good wife always obeys her husband even if she disagrees”.137 Out of court and underage marriages remained as an area of concern that lacks comprehensive data.138 68. While divorce rate remains high, close to three-fifths of divorce petitions were filed by the wife.139 Additionally, 13% of divorce cases were concluded in reconciliation. A mother’s remarriage is grounds upon which she loses custody of her children according to Family law (2000) despite the guarantee afforded by the Child Rights Act (19/2019) to consider the best interest of the child in all court proceedings and decisions involving a child.140 Figure 24. Marriage and divorce cases, and average annual divorce cases. DJA 2015-2018.141 69. On average 169 polygamous marriages were registered annually. 142 Polygamous marriages are permitted when men declare their financial competency in providing for wives and children. Anecdotal reports suggest men enter into polygamous marriages covertly by getting their marriage solemnized overseas to circumvent restrictive provisions of law.143 Correspondingly in 2019 the Apex court issued a circular to enforce a prerequisite to obtain a statement from current wives to confirm financial support from husband before registering polygamous marriages, as some courts assumed financial support in cases where it lacked expense records.144 Figure 25. Polygamous marriages and marriages registered overseas between Maldivians. DJA.2015-2018.145 29