January 2014 — In rural areas from East Asia to Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up a bulk of the agricultural labor force, yet rarely own the land they rely on to survive and provide for their families. This article explores some promising legal and policy reforms aimed at helping rural women in the developing world wield secure, long-term land rights, which serve as a gateway to a suite of social and economic rights and benefits—empowerment in the community and a stronger voice within the household for themselves, and increased income, education and nutrition for their family. This article originally appeared in the Journal of International Affairs at Columbia University. Click here to view the full article.
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