Gender Perspectives on Inheritance and Property

This work describes women's unequal position in formal and customary laws and practices, and the way in which gender relations affect the access of men and women to property at family/household and community levels. The introduction examines how gender relations define the ownership and control of property. Regional surveys from areas including Latin America, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa and Egypt focus on the disjuncture between law and practice, in terms of women's property and land rights, inheritance, access to resources, marriage and employment. The contributors also reflect on the importance of women's participation in decision-making forms and the need for the political organisation and mobilisation of women in order to redress imbalances in land and inheritance rights. The book ends with a large resources section, featuring an annotated bibliography, a list of relevant organisations and Web resources.