This document gives a brief overview of CEDAW and, in particular, those articles that relate to rural women (especially Article 14). It then continues on to discuss how different organizations can use CEDAW for gender-sensitive program and policy formulation. It also gives some example case study “success stories” within different countries, as well as some further resources.

The guide focuses on equity and on how land tenure can be governed in ways that address the different needs and priorities of women and men. It moves away from long-standing debates about gender equality in access to land, towards the mainstreaming of gender issues to achieve more gender-equitable participation in the processes and institutions that underlie all decision-making about land.