Research: Women own only 6 % of real estate in Serbia.

Director of the UN Department for the Realization of Gender Equality and Support for Women in Serbia (UN Women) Milana Rikanovic presented the data of a study by the Republican Geodesic Institute, according to which only 25 percent of all property in Serbia belongs to women, and women own only about 6 percent of real estate in the country, it was reported today at the conference "Right to Inheritance - the Way to Gender Equality and End Violence" in Belgrade.

"If we talk only about real estate, women essentially own only a quarter of that 25 percent. Women earn less, are less represented in the labor market, and do more unpaid work. Economic independence of women is very important," Rikanovic said.

The results of the study showed that about 36 percent of women are willing to give up property in favor of men, while only 19 percent of men are willing to give up property in favor of women, it was announced at the conference.

According to the 2023 study, 84 percent of those surveyed said they were unaware that they would not be able to receive social assistance if they gave up property.

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic assessed that the consequences of giving up property manifest themselves in economic inequality, which escalates into violence and then turns into femicide.

"The state has done its part by passing the Inheritance Law in 1955, but much more needs to be done to make this law work in the minds of citizens. The key word is rights awareness.

The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Plamena Halaceva, presented data according to which 88 percent of property in rural areas is owned by men.

"There were at least 27 femicides in Serbia last year, and this year there are already as many. We think we are entitled to rights, but many women give them up because that's how they were taught. The EU has invested about 4 million euros in various programs to strengthen women in different areas," Halacheva said.

Today's conference also saw the launch of the guide "The Right to Inheritance - the same for everyone", which includes an explanation of the basic concepts of inheritance law, an overview of the legal order of inheritance, the consequences of refusing inheritance and information on who to turn to for legal help and advice.

The conference "The Right to Inheritance - the Path to Gender Equality and Ending Violence" was held as part of a 16-day action against violence against women, organized by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, UN Women and the IDEAS Centre for Research and Development of Society.