Top policy lessons in women’s property rights

A brief synthesises of evidence from impact evaluations.

Abstract

Land is the major source of income for most African households, particularly those engaged in agriculture. In the region, property rights over land are largely governed by informal customary systems. These systems, while deeply rooted in tradition, may not always provide sufficient security of tenure and are often influenced by patriarchal norms that disadvantage women. This brief synthesises evidence from impact evaluations conducted by the Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL) in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Uganda. It offers insights on:

  • strategies to enhance women’s property rights over land

  • the effects of these strengthened rights

This output is part of the Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL) programme.

Citation

Gender Innovation Lab (GIL). ‘Top policy lessons in women’s property rights’ World Bank Group, Washington, D.C. 2024

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Top policy lessons in women’s property rights

Updates to this page

Published 1 July 2024