By end July 2022, women accounted for, individually or in partnership, 57% (3 896 595) of the total volume of properties in the market (6 868 778)
In South Africa, women face significant challenges in owning and controlling immovable assets like land and property. Research highlights that many women, particularly in rural areas, lack formal documentation of their assets, which limits their ability to sell or leverage them financially. Cultural norms also often shift control over assets to men, leaving women’s property underinsured and vulnerable to loss or damage (UN Guidelines for Producing Statistics on Asset Ownership from a Gender Perspective).
Proper insurance can play a key role in addressing these disparities. Ensuring that women’s homes, land, and other assets are adequately insured can protect them from financial loss due to theft, fire, or natural disasters. Insurance provides a safety net that supports women’s autonomy over their assets, which is crucial for long-term financial security.
(Sources: UN Guidelines for Producing Statistics on Asset Ownership from a Gender Perspective).