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BBC Africa Debate

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BBC World Service for Africa

If it matters to Africa, we shall debate it in Africa

Current issues that matter to Africa go under discussion and are brought to the attention of a global audience.

Current issues that matter to Africa go under discussion and are brought to the attention of a global audience.

Each month an invited audience engages robustly with a distinguished international panel to help inform global perceptions of the continent.  

If it matters to Africa, we shall debate it in Africa.

BBC Africa Debate: Do Inheritance Laws Make Second-class Citizens of Women?

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A woman carrying water in Uganda, Credit: Cecile Wright

Do Inheritance Laws Make Second-class Citizens of Women?

BBC World Service for Africa - BBC Africa Debate, Do Inheritance Laws Make Second-class Citizens of Women?

African inheritance laws favour men. What does this mean for women across the continent?

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Some argue that giving property to women undermines links between a people and their ancestral home others say this is outdated.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giving property to daughters and widows undermines links between a people and their ancestral home others say this is outdated - and that denying women property also forces them into poverty.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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