Rural Women's Access to Land and Property in Selected Countries: Progress Towards Achieving the Aims of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

This report specifically addresses the concerns of rural women in accessing their property and housing rights. The report focuses upon the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as this is the only international legal instrument which deals specifically with rural women. The report includes an analysis of the status of land and property rights of rural women as outlined in country reports to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The report then proceeds to examine the specific impact of land or agricultural reform on women's rights, arguing that the concluding observations of the Committee can be used as an effective advocacy tool in securing these rights. The report also provides examples of interpretations of CEDAW by national courts and highlights the importance of empowering rural women to recognize their rights and take action.