Gender Inequality and Land Rights : The Situation of Indigenous Women in Cameroon

The central position of Indigenous women in food production in Cameroon means that the loss of ancestral land and natural resource development has contributed to the marginalization of indigenous women. The author provides a comprehensive discussion of the history of various Indigenous peoples and the customary notion of land rights in Cameroon. While land is regarded to be collectively held, Indigenous women are largely excluded from decision-making in relation to land. Customary law grants no land rights to women which can only be attained through marriage. The author outlines the various legal mechanisms, both domestic and international, which can be applied to land rights.  The challenges Indigenous women face in relation to land rights include lack of proper recognition, exacerbated poverty, and marginalization. The author advocates for legislative attention towards Indigenous women and their participation in decision-making.