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Activity title

Equal inheritance rights for women

Overview

The following exercise introduces the participants to one of the subject matters that illustrates gender-based inequalities. Thanks to the global data showing changes in inheritance systems in particular countries, the participants can broaden their knowledge on factors and aspects influencing the position of women in the economy relative to men.

Objectives

  • to make participants aware of the underlying causes of inequalities related to inheritance systems
  • to enhance participants´ analytical and argumentation skills

Materials

  • 3 maps
  • flipchart, markers, post-its
  • Internet

Time

In total 2 hrs

1/ Introduction to the topic, instructions, division of groups (15 min.)

2/ Group work (60 min.)

3/ Reflection (45 min.)

Group size

6-20 participants

Instructions for trainers

 

  1. First introduce the participants to the topic and explain the overall idea of the exercise.
  2. Divide participants into groups of 3-5 persons.
  3. Let the participants read the instructions.
  4. Follow the work of particular groups.
  5. Let the participants reflect on the results of their work.

Instructions for participants

 

  1. Read the introductory text:

 

“Inheritance systems are still not gender-equal all around the world. Until recently the gender-equal inheritance systems were rare. When you look at the map dated back to 1920, you can see that many countries globally did not have the same rights for inheritance for women and men. During the 20th century the situation considerably changed, however there are still countries in North Africa, Middle East or South East Asia which do not apply gender-equal inheritance systems.

The unequal distribution of inherited wealth has a considerable effect on economic inequality. Since land is an important asset and source of livelihood, in many countries there are long developed rules on how the land is transferred from generation to generation. In many developing countries, women often face legal barriers that do not allow them to inherit property. In some countries, widows and daughters own the land only temporarily which might lead to conflicts caused by questioning the land ownership.” 

 

    1. Discuss in groups the following questions and come up with substantiated arguments.
  • Look at the three maps below illustrating the changes in gender-equal inheritance in particular countries. Compare the situation in 1920, 1980 and 2000 in different countries and discuss the possible variables/factors which might have impacted the changes towards gender-equal inheritance system in particular geographical zones and countries.
  • What consequences brings the unequal inheritance system for women, families, community, economics, politics and society in general?
  • Imagine that you would be, as a high-level politician, responsible for introducing a gender-equal inheritance system in a country where women did not have equal inheritance rights so far. How would you proceed? What important aspects/factors/situations would you need to take into account to be successful?

 

 

Debriefing and evaluation

Allow at least 45 min. for final debriefing and reflection. Firstly encourage the groups to share the results of their group work and discuss their arguments. After that you can also ask general questions evaluating the lessons learnt and the process.

 

 You can use the following questions:

  • What new knowledge and information did you learn during this exercise?
  • What did you enjoy most?
  • What was difficult for you?
  • How are you going to use the knowledge gained?

Tips for trainers

Challenges that might occur:

The participants might have different levels of knowledge and skills regarding the topic. Therefore, it is advisable to assess it beforehand and make sure that the groups are divided accordingly (pair more experienced with less experienced participants).

More on:

Towards Economic Literacy: http://economic-literacy.eu

 

Ortiz-Ospina Esteban, Max Roser (2018). Economic inequality by gender. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/economic-inequality-by-gender

 

Goyal, Aparajita (2012). Importance of Equal Inheritance Rights for Female Empowerment. World Bank BLogs. Available at: https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/importance-of-equal-inheritance-rights-for-female-empowerment

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