Despite progressive laws, land ownership still a tall order for women

Higher property ownership is associated with higher financial inclusion among men than among women. [iStockphoto]

I grew up, like many women, watching the effects of culture on our economic empowerment. For a long time, women could not buy land or invest in real estate due to cultural limitations as these assets were seen as rights of men and not women.

Women's economic empowerment is a critical component of gender equality and sustainable development. It has been demonstrated time and again that when women are economically empowered, they can contribute significantly to their families' well-being and overall economic growth of a country.