Gender and Property Rights: A Critical Issue in Urban Economic Development

Gender and Property Rights: A Critical Issue in Urban Economic Development

Resource Library | Author Carol S. Rabenhorst, Anjali Bean | Date July 2011

Women have less access to shelter, income, water, food, education, and healthcare when compared to men, leading to what is often called the “feminization of poverty.” It is assumed that most women in poverty operate in the informal sector, particularly those who live in urban areas. In addition, women hold only an estimated 1-2 percent of all titled land in the developing world. The plight of women in poverty seems destined to continue unless there is significant reform and strengthening of laws, policies, and practices relating to ownership and control of property, and among approaches taken by donors and implementers supporting these reforms.

Header photo attribution to the World Bank.