Empowering women through property ownership: Implications for intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

This study explores the linkage between women's property ownership and intimate partner violence (IPV) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting. The findings reveal that general ownership of immovable property, whether held jointly or solely, is associated with lower IPV across all forms. Disaggregating by ownership type, however, discloses stark contrasts: joint ownership reduces physical, sexual, and psychological IPV at both extensive and intensive margins, whereas sole ownership (property held exclusively by the woman) increases sexual and psychological IPV, consistent with a partner “backlash” effect. Hence, the favorable IPV-reducing influence of women's property ownership is driven almost entirely by joint ownership. Mechanism analyses further highlight the dual role of property ownership in shifting power dynamics within households, empowering women while simultaneously challenging traditional male dominance. Exploring heterogeneity across key dimensions, including legislative support for gender equality, gender equality levels, income classifications, and global regions, the study reveals that the protective effects of property ownership are more pronounced in countries with supportive legislative frameworks for gender equality, higher gender equality levels, and upper-middle-income countries. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on economic empowerment and IPV, offering actionable recommendations for legal reforms, property rights enforcement, and gender-sensitive policy design.