FIG: Diversity and Inclusion on the Agenda

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are high on the FIG agenda, and this was reflected in one of the keynote sessions during FIG Working Week 2021. The session was thought-provoking on what everyone can do to contribute to D&I in daily life. It is crucial that we all take responsibility in this context – such as to promote D&I in the culture of our organizations, to be aware of the pipeline of talent, to promote D&I policies, and to be conscious of place and society.

With that in mind, FIG is pleased to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stand for Her Land (S4HL) in which the two parties agree to work together to:

• Support understanding of S4HL and issues related to women’s land rights
• Support connections and collaborative efforts to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes
• Jointly promote the work of S4HL and FIG.

Stand for Her Landdrives lasting change on the ground through collective action and advocacy at grassroots, national and global levels. When a woman holds secure rights to her land, power dynamics shift. Her dignity, household decision-making and economic freedom increase. As a global community, we move closer to gender equality. Strong land rights help women break the cycle of poverty and improve not only their own lives, but also those of their families and whole communities.

Recognizing their cross-cutting importance, leaders across the globe have made formal commitments to ensure women have secure land rights. Yet in many countries, these commitments lack incorporation into legal and policy frameworks – and even when laws are equitable, deeply entrenched patriarchal social norms often result in weak implementation.

The Stand for Her Land campaign aims to close this gap between global commitments and local practice, to build a future where all women and men have a secure place to call home.