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Periodical article Periodical article
Title:Patriarchy and Women's Land Rights in Botswana
Author:Kalabamu, Faustin T.
Year:2006
Periodical:Land Use Policy (ISSN 0264-8377)
Volume:23
Issue:3
Period:July
Pages:237-246
Language:English
Geographic term:Botswana
Subjects:Cultural Roles
Politics and Government
Law, Legal Issues, and Human Rights
agriculture
land tenure
External link:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2004.11.001
Abstract:Patriarchy has been defined as a gendered power system: a network of social, political and economic relationships through which men dominate and control female labour, reproduction and sexuality as well as define women's status, privileges and rights in a society. Taking Botswana as a case study, this essay examines the effects of patriarchy on women's access, control and ownership of land in southern Africa. It notes that while women were largely excluded from land ownership during the pre-colonial era, patriarchy has since been selective on the type and nature of land rights that women may enjoy. The essay argues that the weakening of traditional patriarchal structures, attitudes and practices in Botswana is a result of women's self-empowerment, economic transformations and the replacement of chieftainship with democratic institutions. It ends by noting that despite the apparent weakening of pre-colonial institutions and attitudes, there have emerged new forms of female subordination, which require vigilance and constant exposure.
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