Women and Land: Securing Rights for Better Lives

Citation:

Budlender, Debbie, and Eileen Alma. 2011. Women and Land: Securing Rights for Better Lives. Ottawa: International Development Research Centre.

Authors: Debbie Budlender, Eileen Alma

Abstract:

Land is an important source of security against poverty across the developing world. But unequal rights to land in many places disadvantages women, perpetuates poverty, and entrenches gender inequality. Surprisingly little detailed information exists on women’s relationship to land, and even less is informed by women themselves. This book helps fill that gap, drawing on research funded by IDRC.

The core of the book focuses on recent findings from sub-Saharan Africa, where researchers in 14 countries explore the topic from many angles – legal, customary, political, and economic. Researchers from non-governmental organizations, academics, and grassroots activists worked together with communities on the research, exploring the experiences of women in specific contexts.

Grounded in local realities, the evidence gathered in this book captures the diversity and complexity of women’s experiences. Most importantly, it provides fresh insights for policymakers and others working to secure women’s rights to land and thus strengthen the communities in which they live. (Abstract from IDRC) 

Topics: Economies, Poverty, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, NGOs, Political Economies, Rights, Land Rights, Women's Rights Regions: Africa

Year: 2011