Rural Women's Land Rights in South Africa

Land is a critical resource for rural women, providing the foundation for economic independence, household food security, and broader empowerment. In South Africa, land rights are governed through a dual system comprising of statutory and customary law, which is patrilineal in nature and restricts women's access to land, thereby perpetuating poverty among rural women. This study examines the relationship between gendered land rights and their impact on the socio-economic stability of rural women. A desktop review of existing literature was conducted to explore how equitable land rights can improve women's socio-economic status. Findings indicate that rural women continue to experience significant barriers to land access because of patriarchal norms embedded in customary law. The study recommends that policy reforms should focus on harmonising customary practices with statutory frameworks to address discriminatory norms that undermine women's land rights.