Gender gaps and policy implications in land ownership and inheritance

Abstract

This study investigates gender gaps in access to land ownership and land inheritance in Albanian rural areas by combining a large-scale survey and five in-depth focus groups discussions. We consider three sets of variables in our analysis: Environmental characteristics; Family characteristics; and Individual characteristics. We find that rural societies lack awareness around legal property rights, do not value gender equality, undermine the confidence of women in myriad ways, and continue to rely on customary laws. Current inequalities are placed in the context of Albania’s entrenched patriarchal system. Culture and tradition are as important as, if not more important than, legal frameworks surrounding land ownership and inheritance. The findings bring intersectionality issues into high relief: where patriarchy is combined with poverty, gender inequality is exacerbated. Education, legal literacy, and professional advisory services help achieve female empowerment, especially among youth. So does family support and a better economic standing, as well as better physical access to urban centers. Our findings call for more holistic approach which combines efforts to improve legal literacy, raise awareness among all genders and to alleviate poverty through capacity building and financial support for boosting women inclusion in economy.