Despite multiple formal assurances of the right to equal protection and economic opportunity, the reality remains that women face significant barriers to owning, inheriting, and controlling land or property. These barriers stem from deeply rooted cultural norms, discriminatory legal frameworks, and lack of access to financial resources.

The 2023 Land Audit revealed stark disparities in land ownership, showing that women own only 13% of farms and agricultural land compared to 71% owned by men. Similarly, it also revealed that only 17% of erven are owned by women as opposed to 46% owned by men. The hard truth is that traditional ownership is disproportionately skewed in favor of men.

The data underscores the persistent challenges in achieving true equality in property rights, which is essential for the well-being and empowerment of women and their families. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Bulelwa Mabasa, Director at Werksmans Attorneys as well as the Head of Land Reform and Tenure practice area