Securing Land Tenure Through Participatory Upgrading Processes: Women’s Experiences in Freedom Square, Gobabis, Namibia

In Namibia, informal settlements are usually upgraded by a participatory process aimed at providing inhabitants with land tenure security through the Flexible Land Tenure Act (FLTA), followed by the provision of basic services. The pilot FLTA implementation case is the upgrading of the Freedom Square settlement in Gobabis, which was a woman-led process. This research analyzes both the experiences of the women participating during the process as well as the immediate and long-term perceived impacts on their social and economic conditions. The empirical data were collected through interviews and a focus group discussion with experts and key participants in the development process. The findings highlight socio–economic challenges faced by the participating women, including insufficient support from family and limited economic opportunities. Throughout the process, stakeholders shifted their aims. This shift influenced the involvement of women, changing their roles from active participants to service recipients. While the main goals of receiving land tenure and service provision were partially fulfilled, the long-term impact of the process on women is varied from how it was initially envisioned. This was largely due to the absence of a comprehensive plan to improve their livelihoods. The results show that for participatory land tenure processes to become inclusive, a stronger gender-mainstreaming agenda becomes necessary. It also emphasizes holistic development planning as a key factor for long-term success.