The Issue
Women's Access to Land
Lack of secure tenure over land and property has an enormous impact on millions of women across the world. The vast majority of the world's women either cannot afford to buy land or are prevented from purchasing land in their own right. Land and housing issues are dominated by patriarchy and politics in most of the world, and patrilineal traditions and customs prevent women from gaining land and housing in their own name. Even in societies where the law is neutral, cultural norms often ensure that men continue to control the decision-making. Women are usually able to access land and housing only through their relation to a man, such as a husband, father, or brother.
Because their security of tenure depends precariously on good marital and familial relations, women are vulnerable to being forced from their homes because they do not own the land in their own right. A widow - even a woman who has lived on a piece of property with her husband for years - may be forced from her home by her husband's male relatves. HIV/AIDS, violence, climate change and disaster further exacerbate the vulnerability of not owning land or housing.
Land and housing enhances the ability of women to take control of their lives.
The security of tenure for women depends precariously on good marital and family relations
The vast majority of the world's women either cannot afford to or are prevented from buying land in their own right.
Accessing, owning and controlling land and housing empowers women.
Women Gain Power and Control
Access and control of land affects virtually all aspects of women's lives. Land and housing impacts women's food security, economic livelihoods, education, health, access to services and freedom from violence. Secure land and housing empowers women to drive sustainable development in their communities.
When women own and control land and housing resources, they have the power to make more gains for their families and communities. When women have secure land and housing, they can use the land as collateral to gain access to further financial resources or to secure their economic livelihoods through small businesses or income-generating activities. They gain greater control over food production and marketing, which helps them to ensure food security for their families, and they can develop homes and communities with increased dignity, safety and access to services.
Secure land and housing is fundamental in order for women to take control of their lives and develop their livelihoods.
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