Empowering Women through Recognition of Rights to Land

Mechanisms to Strengthen Women's Rights in Vanuatu

Bibliographic Data

ID2850484
AuthorsNagarajan (0000-0003-4920-6600, Macquarie University), Vijaya Nagarajan, Therese Macdermott (0000-0002-1251-1778, Macquarie University)
Year2013
Volume86
Issue3
Pages471-491
Publication date2013-09-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePacific Affairs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-851X • E-ISSN: 1715-3379
PublisherPacific Affairs (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.5509/2013863471
OpenAlexW1991364342
LanguageEN
Citations received4

Although the pluralist system of land tenure in Vanuatu does not directly discriminate against women, the operation of the system and contemporary interpretations of custom are increasingly marginalizing women from decision-making processes regarding land management and control. Commitment to the principles of gender equality through constitutional guarantees and the ratification of relevant international treaty obligations, while providing an appropriate legal framework for equality, have only had limited success in addressing discriminatory practices. This article analyzes alternative ways to overcome the barriers faced by women that are currently under consideration in many Pacific Island countries, including recording and registration, as well as legal vehicles such as incorporating customary land groups, trusts and community companies. This article concludes that while both existing and proposed mechanisms have the potential to secure for women a greater role in decision-making processes regarding land management and control, that potential will not be realized in the absence of knowledge, empowerment and the acceptance of the legitimacy of such rights

Environmental planning · Geography · Land law · Land rights · Land tenure · Political science · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development · Gender Studies · Land Rights and Reforms

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