Peterman, A., 2012, Widowhood and Asset Inheritance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Evidence from 15 Countries, Development policy Review
2.4 APPROACHES TO ENHANCE LIVELIHOODS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
2.4.9. Strengthening IE with attention to the elderly
Recommendation: 2) Recognise the importance of older women’s knowledge, and the new status (i.e. possibilities) women can take on once they become widow.
Reference: Peterman, A., 2012, Widowhood and Asset Inheritance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Evidence from 15 Countries, Development policy Review
Evidence sample: One programme by Helen Keller International in Burkina Faso recognised the important role of older women in local culture, and trained grandmothers as sources of nutrition advice.
Older women that live longer than their husbands are particularly vulnerable and likely to live more years in ill-health. Being a widow can change their status, both socially and legally in terms of access to assets – property and inheritance rights. As noted by Peterman (2012), in Zimbabwe, 56% of women inherited some property from their husbands, only 37% of widows inherited the majority of his assets.
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