Promoting women’s land rights in Eastern DRC through a gender-transformative lens

Land is far more than just soil—it is a source of income, identity, and security, especially for rural families. Yet, across Africa, women remain at a disadvantage. Despite producing an estimated 70–80% of the continent’s food, they own less than 10% of its farmland. In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Beans for Women’s Empowerment (B4WE) project is working to close this gap.

By partnering with customary chiefs, local authorities, and land conflicts management groups, the project is challenging long-held traditions and norms that have traditionally excluded women from land ownership. These efforts have already resulted in formal commitments that have opened hundreds of hectares to women farmers. Each plot of land represents more than cultivation-it symbolizes stronger foundations for food security and economic empowerment for the women.