Landesa
To better understand the conflicting customary laws that prevent women from owning and inheriting land, Landesa conducted a study of the formal and customary laws and practices governing the rights of women to inherit land property in six South Asian countries. The study informed Landesa’s strategy to partner with the government of India to strengthen women’s land rights in four states, in particular girls’ right to equal inheritance.
Challenge
Women in developing countries rarely hold secure property rights, especially land rights. However, secure rights to a house plot or a parcel of agricultural land can provide women with both physical safety and psychological security. Land property rights also often succeed in elevating the status of the rights holder in the eyes of family members and their community. Women's equal access to land and the benefits of secure land property rights serve as acknowledgements of their worth, help break down perceptions of inequality within households and communities, and reduce their dependence on men.
Program Summary
The Landesa Rural Development Institute conducted a study of formal and customary laws and practices governing the rights of women to inherit land property in six South Asian countries. The study included an analysis of existing laws and their impact on inheritance rights, with specific attention to efforts in India to help women benefit from progressive inheritance laws.
Impact
The study supported and furthered the rule of law by evaluating existing formal and customary inheritance laws with reference to principles of equality, fairness, and accessibility for all individuals - regardless of gender, economic circumstances, caste and class. In addition, the study identified barriers to the effective administration and enforcement of progressive inheritance laws and offered recommendations for eliminating, reducing, or circumventing those barriers.
Partners
Landesa partnered with social scientists, gender specialists and various grassroots organizations in each of the target countries.