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Do Inheritance Laws Make Second-class Citizens of Women?

Across Africa inheritance laws still favour men. Some argue that giving property to women undermines links between a people and their ancestral home others say this is outdated.

In many countries across Africa inheritance laws still favour men. Some argue that giving property to daughters and widows undermines links between a people and their ancestral home others say this is outdated - and that denying women property also forces them into poverty.

In Botswana, the High Court recently backed three sisters against their nephew's claim to the family home. The old law was said to be unconstitutional because it violated gender equality. But how much have things really changed - and do they need to? What is the wider impact of inheritance practices for women in Africa?

Join Bola Mosuro and an invited panel of guests discuss if inheritance laws make second-class citizens of women.

Picture: A woman carrying water in Uganda, Credit: Cecile Wright

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55 minutes

Last on

Thu 24 Oct 2013 19:06GMT

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  • Thu 24 Oct 2013 19:06GMT

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