Women's Access to Land in Africa

This article begins by establishing women's land and property rights within international human rights law. The author then moves to examine current systems of land tenure in Africa and the extent to which women are able to access their property rights. The article notes the discrepancy between women's responsibility for ensuring the family's food supply and the general lack of recognition of women's rights in land. The article undertakes a historical review of the development of legal systems in Africa and includes several country case studies focusing on the laws governing women's property rights.