PRINCIPLES FOR EQUITABLE GENDER INCLUSION IN LAND
ADMINISTRATION: FIG GUIDELINES ON WOMEN'S ACCESS TO LAND
Katalin KOMJATHY and, Dr. Susan E.
NICHOLS,Canada and Agneta ERICSSON, Sweden
Key words: land tenure, land administration,
gender, urban and rural development.
Abstract
Managing land tenure arrangements is central question in
development projects and programmes aimed at improving the livelihood
of rural and urban populations in developing nations. Land tenure
affect agricultural production, long term food security, economic
livlihoods, and other basic needs. It is an essential element in
achieving truly sustainable development. Access to land is a means by
which resources and benefits of those resources are distributed within
society, whether they be adequate shelter, municipal services, or
decision-making powers.
The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness among surveyors of
some of the critical issues that threaten women's access to and
benefits from land. The paper emphasizes the significant role of the
surveying community in the field of land administration and therefore
their obligations in protecting and enhancing the rights of all
stakeholders, including women. The paper also introduces draft
guidelines to assist project managers, surveyors, and others in
ensuring that development projects are gender-inclusive and that their
real objectives are truly met.
We begin with a working definition of what access to land and
security of title mean to women and men in rural and urban settings.
Recent changes that have been affecting the relationship between women
and land are examined together with what are (and can be) the outcomes
with and without appropriate actions. A summary of key indicators that
can be used by surveyors, project managers, and others to evaluate and
monitor women's access to land are also presented.
We then outline recommended guidelines for land administration
projects highlighting the importance of (i) land administration
procedures that equally serve all segments of the population; (ii)
promoting opportunities that would ease women's access to information
relevant to their property rights; (iii) developing a better
understanding of the obstacles preventing women's active participation
and employing the tools necessary to overcome these obstacles; and
(iv) working with local communities.
We conclude that, by providing secure and effective access to land
for women, land administration can benefit families, communities, and
nations through, for example: increased economic opportunities;
increased investment in land and food production; increased access to
housing and services, improved family security during economic and
social transitions; and better land stewardship.
CONTACT
Katalin Komjathy
Dept. of Geodesy & Geomatics Engineering
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 4400
Fredericton
N. B. E3B 5A3
CANADA
Tel. + 1 303 543 7726
Fax + 1 506 453 4939
Email: komjathy@unb.ca
Dr. Sue Nichols
Dept. of Geodesy & Geomatics Engineering
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 4400
Fredericton
N. B. E3B 5A3
CANADA
Tel. + 1 506 453 4151
Fax + 1 506 453 4939
E-mail: nichols@unb.ca
Agneta Ericsson
Chief County Surveyor
National Land Survey
S-801 82 Gävle
SWEDEN
Tel. + 46 26 171 646
Fax + 46 26 171 642
Email: agneta.ericsson@lm.se
23 March 2001
This page is maintained by the
FIG Office. Last revised on 05-11-25.
|
