Advancing gender justice in South Africa’s land governance
In May/June 2025, LandNNES, the Land Network National Engagement Strategy in South Africa, undertook a comprehensive Gender Audit to assess how gender equity principles are reflected in its governance, policies, and daily practices. Supported by the International Land Coalition (ILC) as part of the Gender Justice Initiative, the audit is an essential step toward building a more inclusive and equitable land governance ecosystem across the network.
The process reviewed policies, organizational culture, leadership structures, and the experiences of grassroots communities and member organizations. Its findings shed light on both the progress made and the critical gaps that require urgent attention.
Why this gender audit matters
South Africa’s land sector continues to grapple with deep-rooted inequalities shaped by patriarchy, cultural norms, and policy inconsistencies. While the White Paper on Land Reform (1997) and CEDAW commitments prioritize women and farm dwellers, these promises often fall short in practice.
Against this backdrop, LandNNES commissioned its first Gender Audit to:
- Evaluate how gender equity is integrated internally and across member organizations.
- Identify systemic and traditional barriers faced by women and gender-diverse groups.
- Inform the development of a transformational Gender Action Plan for the network.
Key findings: Progress and persistent gaps
Strong representation of women in leadership
Across LandNNES member organizations, women now hold 60% of board positions and 67% of management roles, a significant milestone for gender justice in the land sector. Youth participation is also increasing.
However, traditional stereotypes persist. Women in community structures are still more likely to be appointed as secretaries than as chairpersons, and some report confidence barriers or a lack of peer support when seeking leadership roles.
Uneven gender-sensitive policy frameworks
While several organizations have progressive policies on sexual harassment, parental leave, and non-discrimination, others lack basic gender-sensitive policies or have outdated documents.
Key gaps include:
- Absence of gender affirmation policies.
- Inconsistent implementation of reporting mechanisms.
- Limited accessibility of policies to non-professional staff and community-level actors.
- Lack of regular gender-sensitive training.
Community-level challenges remain deep
Interviews with community organizations revealed:
- 50% of communities are unaware of laws supporting women’s land rights.
- Structural barriers, patriarchy, traditional norms, and local power dynamics still limit women’s land access.
- Many communities lack consistent training or awareness programmes on gender and land rights.
Communication & visibility needs a more gender focused approach
Although LandNNES uses digital platforms effectively, its external communication has not consistently highlighted gendered dimensions of land governance. Few organizations systematically gather input from diverse gender groups on their communication strategies.
Partnerships show promise, but gaps still remain
While many members choose partners aligned with gender equality principles, only a few have turned down partnerships due to gender concerns. Engagement with government actors remains fragmented and often inconsistent.
Proposed gender action plan: A roadmap for change
For LandNNES
- Develop a dedicated Gender Policy Framework for the platform.
- Facilitate webinars to build shared understanding of gender concepts.
- Enhance youth engagement and visibility in all network activities.
- Strengthen gender-focused communications and advocacy.
- Launch targeted fundraising to secure essential operational roles, like the National Coordinator.
- Track submissions to national and international mechanisms, including CEDAW.
For member organizations
- Receive technical support to develop or update gender-sensitive and gender-affirmation policies.
- Introduce gender equity targets and leadership mentorship programmes.
- Address internal gender stereotypes in staffing and organizational culture.
- Strengthen advocacy against systemic land barriers faced by women.
- Develop a gender-monitoring framework and a progress scorecard.
- Create openings for youth and persons with disabilities in leadership structures.
Conclusion
The 2025 Gender Audit reveals a network that is progressing, yet still navigating deep structural and cultural challenges. LandNNES and its members have taken meaningful steps toward gender inclusivity. Still, sustained transformation requires dedicated resourcing, stronger policy frameworks, and intentional inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups at every level of land governance.
By implementing the proposed Gender Action Plan and strengthening collaboration across sectors, LandNNES can become a continental model for gender-just land governance.
LandNNES Gender Audit Report
Advancing gender justice in South Africa’s land governance (2025)
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