Women's land rights in focus at Egypt workshop

CAIRO – 12 December 2024: Egypt, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), concluded a workshop in Sharm El-Sheikh to finalize a guide aimed at enhancing women’s land tenure security in Africa. The event, held from December 10-12, brought together representatives from 22 African nations.

Dr. Alaa Ezzou, Head of the Agricultural Extension Sector, emphasized Egypt's commitment to gender equality in land rights. He highlighted the critical role of inclusive and equitable governance in agriculture and the broader development of African communities. The workshop underscored Egypt’s role as a key partner in UNECA’s efforts to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African nations for sustainable development.

Dr. Ezzou noted Egypt’s strides in promoting women’s political participation. Recent years have seen a significant increase in female representation in parliament, with quotas ensuring equitable participation. Women have also assumed high-level roles, including ministers, governors, and deputy ministers, reflecting progress toward gender equality in Egyptian political life.

The workshop sessions explored the status of women’s land rights in West, Central, North, East, and Southern Africa. Discussions highlighted challenges such as customary traditions, legal gaps, and gender-based power dynamics, which often hinder women’s secure access to land. Participants stressed the need for innovative solutions tailored to local contexts to promote effective governance and secure land tenure for women.

Participants proposed a regional approach to address diverse land tenure dynamics, prioritizing women’s land rights as a tool for achieving broader goals such as food security and climate resilience. They also recommended establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track reforms and measure their impact on women’s lives.

The workshop and Egypt’s active involvement signal a broader movement toward empowering women across Africa. By addressing land tenure challenges and ensuring equitable governance, these efforts aim to drive sustainable development and reinforce women’s pivotal role in agriculture and community growth.