Monika Lindbekk
Moderator
This session proposal delves into the critical issue of women's land rights in the Arab region, with a focus on
individual case studies from Egypt, Palestine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing legal frameworks, highlight the societal
and cultural barriers impeding women's land rights, and celebrate the successes where reforms have enabled
progress.
Topics of discussion will include a detailed comparative analysis of property laws across the region, examining
how these legal frameworks either support or hinder women's access to land ownership. It will also explore the
pervasive cultural norms and family dynamics that play a crucial role in either facilitating or obstructing
women's land rights. Specific case studies will bring to light Egypt's legal evolution post-2011 revolution, the
complex challenges faced by Palestinian women under occupation, the strides made in Tunisia following the
Arab Spring, the significant shifts occurring in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, and the impact of economic
diversification plans on women's rights in the Gulf states.
This session is designed to inform and engage policymakers, legal professionals, activists, non-governmental
organizations, and academics interested in advancing gender rights and land law within the Arab region. By
providing insights into both the challenges and successes, the session will equip participants with the
necessary knowledge and strategies to advocate for and implement meaningful changes to improve women's
access to land rights across the Arab world.
The key objectives of the proposed session on women's land rights in the Arab region can be summarized as
follows:
Overview of Legal Frameworks: The session will provide a comprehensive examination of the existing legal
frameworks governing land rights across various Arab countries, including Egypt, Palestine, Tunisia, Saudi
Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The focus will be on how these laws either support or limit
women's rights to land ownership.
Highlighting Societal and Cultural Barriers: Another major focus will be to explore the societal and cultural
barriers that impede women's land rights in these regions. This includes examining family dynamics and
cultural norms that may prevent women from accessing land rights.
Showcasing Successes, Reforms, as well as Problematic issues.