Women and Land

Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India -- We just finished three weeks of interviews with formerly landless women who acquired land through a government-subsidized land purchase program. As a result, they have increased income, food, social status, and respect from their husbands, including fewer beatings. They are moving out of huts, building houses, and able to get credit. The women also shared that because of the land, they no longer plan to marry off their daughters at 15 years. Instead, they will let them stay in school until they are at least 17.