Publication

This article discusses the results of research about the protection of women’s land interests in Rwanda and draws conclusions that may be useful both for rule of law programming in Rwanda and in similar country contexts. Women in Rwanda have weak rights under customary law, and while reforms have strengthened their statutory land rights, such entitlements have limited practical value in rural areas where customary law dominates. The results demonstrate that it may be possible to widen the scope for women’s land claims without modifying the substantive aspects of customary law.