Key challenges faced by women regarding property ownership

Key challenges faced by women regarding property ownership

Podcast

Key challenges faced by women regarding property ownership

Podcast

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Fatima highlights women in South Africa face significant legal challenges, particularly regarding property ownership, despite the constitutional protections in place.

She explains that one of the key issues arises in rural areas, where customary law often favours male heirs over female heirs in inheritance matters. This has led to disparities in property ownership, perpetuating the mistaken belief that men are more entitled to property than women. Additionally, women struggle to obtain property loans due to a lack of collateral or credit history, coupled with a limited understanding of banking systems and legal rights.

Fatima notes that cultural norms and traditional practices contribute to the significant disparity in property ownership between men and women, especially in rural areas where customary law often prevails over statutory law. She believes that these issues could be addressed through practical, community-level education, equipping women with knowledge from an earlier age.