Abstract:
This project focuses on how gender inequality in securing rights to land and other properties in Kenya which helps in achieving a progress in economic and social development, peace and security Securing women’s land and property rights is a necessary strategy for ensuring gender equality and advancing women’s empowerment worldwide.
Globally, there is an evident correlation between gender inequality (FIDA2009), societal poverty, and the failure to respect, protect and fulfil these rights for women. This failure entrenches gender inequality by reinforcing women’s dependence on men, and prevents poor countries from finding a sustainable and equitable path to development. Strengthening women’s secure rights to land can help empower them to reach their potential as citizens and as economic actors, and enable them to take control over their own lives. According to a World Bank report, “only independent or joint ownership can ensure that women have access to and control over land based earnings.
Kenyan women face numerous obstacles during marriage, the burden becomes insurmountable if they divorce. The lack of equal property rights upon divorce and the fact that many women become the sole caretakers of their children often drives them into poverty. The precarious economic position of women renders them more vulnerable to be target of domestic violence, and undermines their ability to leave abusive relationships or to negotiate safe sex. As a result, women and their children face serious physical and psychological health harms, including increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
The study focuses on the qualitative and quantitative conditions that hinder women from accessing land.