* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Tools and solutions for the enhancement of women’s land rights and economic empowerment must be socially legitimate within their communities in order to be most effective. Improved legal frameworks are excellent steps towards progress however; behavioral changes at the community level may also be needed.
Conducting field work and desk research to learn how existing customary practices actually affect women is a useful beginning. Also, to increase the quality of proposed solutions and chances for successful implementation, it’s important to talk with women, ask them what they want and listen to what they think would be most effective given their situations.
In October of 2010, Renée Giovarelli conducted gender training for USAID. Her presentation, “Strengthening Property Rights of Women,” discusses the issues, recommended best practices, and importance of addressing gender issues for those working on land tenure, property rights, and the management of natural resources.
Landesa Center for Women’s Land Rights
An initiative of Landesa, the Center for Women’s Land Rights champions the untapped potential of women and girls to transform their communities. With secure rights to land, women and girls can improve food security, education, health, and economic development for themselves and their families.
