Gender Perspectives in Namibia’s Communal Land: Exploring Women’s Hindrances to Equitable Land Ownership

Abstract

Rural communities depend on land for socio-economic livelihoods. However, owning land remains a critical challenge in post-independence Namibia for women, despite institutionalised laws and policies designed to redress gender inequalities. This paper discourses on the hindrances to equitable communal land ownership in nine regions among women aged 18–60 years. Findings reveal a high perception among women themselves that women should own land in communal areas. The study concludes that the struggle for equitable land distribution is far from being over, despite various government interventions to address the status quo, and hence recommends the overhaul of existing legal frameworks.