ABSTRACT
Gender disparities in land access are widespread around the world. In Nepal, women face injustice and exploitation due to lack of access to resources, particularly land. This chapter, however, illustrates how women’s increasing access to land tenure through an initiative called joint land ownership is helping build a just society in Nepal. Sixteen focus group discussions and a family couple survey of 24 with joint land ownership and 14 without were conducted. Policies related to women and land rights were reviewed. Our results reveal that male dominance and patriarchal mindsets are common in Nepal. The society’s recognition of women’s land rights is minimal, resulting in their exclusion from accessing financial resources, low participation in family decision-making, and the lack of a welcoming atmosphere for women in land-related spaces. Conversely, the introduction of joint land ownership has proven to be a corrective measure to address prevailing injustice in gendered land ownership patterns. The redistribution of land ownership is a step towards gender equality; women are gradually being recognized as land owners, thus enhancing their security and dignity. Land ownership has also improved their access to health and financial services and reduced gender-based violence. Overall, social movements involving all stakeholders working toward joint ownership can improve women’s tenure rights and contribute to a more just world.
